GeoDH

IEE/11/813/SI2.616373

Promote Geothermal District Heating Systems in Europe

LEGAL BASIS

GeoDH is funded under the EU’s Altener programme and focuses on promoting the use of geothermal energy in district heating and cooling (DHC) systems. The project targets the removal of regulatory barriers, development of innovative financial models, training of professionals, and raising awareness among decision-makers and users.

PARTNERS

COORDINATOR

  • European Geothermal Energy Council – Belgium

PROJECT PARTNERS

  • Magyar Állami Földtani Intézet – Hungary

  • Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities – Bulgaria

  • Slovensko društvo za daljinsko energetiko – Slovenia

  • Consorzio per lo Sviluppo delle Aree Geotermiche – Italy

  • Association Française des Professionnels de la Géothermie – France

  • Polish Academy of Sciences – Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute – Poland

  • Fjernvarmens Udviklingscenter – Denmark

  • Gemeente Heerlen – Netherlands

DURATION / VALUE

The project had a total duration of 30 months, starting from April 2012.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The primary objective of the GeoDH project is to facilitate the broader implementation of geothermal district heating systems across Europe. The project addresses administrative, financial, and technical barriers, while also enhancing the understanding and uptake of geothermal technologies.

Specific goals include:

  • Removing regulatory barriers to simplify implementation processes for both operators and authorities.

  • Developing innovative financial models to overcome investment challenges, especially during financial crises.

  • Training of specialists and decision-makers at regional and local levels to support and manage GeoDH projects effectively.

  • Raising awareness among users and stakeholders about the benefits of GeoDH.

GeoDH distinguishes between three categories of EU member states based on their market maturity:

  • Mature markets (e.g., Germany, France, Italy): Need simplified procedures and increased financing.

  • Transitional markets (e.g., Hungary, Poland, Slovakia): Require elimination of barriers and optimization of regulatory frameworks.

  • Emerging markets (e.g., Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Denmark): Need foundational support for market creation and system implementation.

ABOUT DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING

In 2012, Europe had over 5,000 operational DHC systems, of which 212 were geothermal. Despite this, geothermal DHC systems remain underutilized. The market share of DHC was 10% overall. Several Central and Eastern European countries (e.g., Romania, Bulgaria, Poland) already operate GeoDH systems, and many more are identified as having significant potential.

National Renewable Energy Action Plans (PNAER) in countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland confirm this growth potential. GeoDH aims to support these developments by fostering collaboration, knowledge transfer, and supportive policy measures.

INNOVATIONS AND OUTCOMES

GeoDH delivered strategic outcomes across its implementation period:

  • Recommendations for regulatory simplification

  • Financial model proposals tailored to geothermal project needs

  • Training programs for technical and administrative stakeholders

  • Country-specific strategies and experiences transferred to EU-wide contexts

TRAINING & OUTREACH

Each of the 14 participating countries hosted a National Seminar and Training Course, which included:

  • Perspectives on GeoDH in Europe

  • Assessment methodology for geothermal potential

  • Stakeholder presentations (public authorities, operators, municipalities)

  • National-level financial and regulatory challenges

  • European-level solutions and best practices

  • Knowledge exchange and discussion forums

GEO DH PARTNER IN ROMANIA

Romanian Geoexchange Society – www.geoexchange.ro
The Romanian Geoexchange Society coordinates national activities within the GeoDH framework through a collaboration contract with the European Geothermal Energy Council.