Geothermal-DHC, European Research Network on Geothermal Energy in Heating and Cooling Networks

Abstract

Since 2019, the European COST association supports the Action CA18219 Geothermal-DHC on the implementation of geothermal energy into heating and cooling networks across Europe. Geothermal-DHC represents a pan European research network participated by more than 30 countries also including non-European countries. Geothermal-DHC aims at investigating both, technological as well as non-technological concepts for a better integration of geothermal energy into heating and cooling networks by covering the whole spectrum of geothermal technologies from ambient (shallow) geothermal towards deep- and unconventional geothermal (e.g. CCUS-Geothermal). The scientific focus of the network addresses the match between the different geothermal concepts and the requirements of heating (and cooling) grids from generation 2 until generation 5. In this context, Geothermal-DHC not just focuses on new grids but also considers existing heating grids, which need to be shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in the upcoming 10 to 30 years in order to fulfill the EU energy and climate goals. Geothermal-DHC wants to demonstrate that geothermal energy has the capacity to raise the renewable energy share in heating in cooling grids from currently less than 20% to 30% in 2030 and 50% in 2050.