Geothermal Energy in Europe: Aiming to Mirror U.S. Growth
The U.S. is experiencing a geothermal energy boom, driven by Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). European projects, like Haute-Sorne in Switzerland, seek to leverage similar technology but face challenges in scaling and regulatory processes.
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Current EGS advancements in the U.S. are leading to significant increases in geothermal energy production, with Fervo's Utah project expected to generate 100 MW by 2027. In comparison, Switzerland's Haute-Sorne aims for 5 MW to supply 6,000 households and is awaiting approval for further drilling.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems involve injecting water at high pressure to create fractures in deep rock, similar to fracking. While the U.S. has made rapid progress, Europe must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and high investment costs.
Despite these challenges, the Ember report indicates potential for 43 GW of geothermal capacity across the EU, particularly in Hungary, Poland, Germany, and France, which could meet up to 15% of future electricity demand. The Cornwall project in the UK also explores lithium extraction alongside energy production, exemplifying the multifaceted benefits of geothermal energy.
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