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Research and innovation

Geothermal energy

Why the EU supports geothermal energy research and innovation

Geothermal energy is stored as heat below the earth’s surface, and can be used to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is local and constantly available, making it an excellent contribution to the energy mix.

One of the challenges is to gain a full understanding of the environmental and social impact of the use of geothermal energy. Another is to create systems that allow widespread and cost-effective exploitation of these resources.

What the EU is doing

The EU supports research and development in geothermal technologies, funding projects on both direct use of heat and the use of extracted heat to generate electricity.

EU support also focuses on reducing costs in exploration and drilling, because geothermal installations have high capital costs.

Funding opportunities

Horizon Europe

Calls for proposal on energy related themes in Horizon Europe and information on the work programme.

NER 300 programme

Funding for innovative low-carbon technology research with focus on environmentally safe Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and innovative renewable energy technologies

LIFE

The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action.

Horizon 2020 dashboard

Access to real-time programme data with the ability to filter by country, region, theme and more

Projects and results

Horizon Magazine

Latest news, interviews and features about thought-provoking science and innovative research projects funded by the EU.

Horizon Results Platform

Platform where framework programme participants present their results for you to search, contact their owners, and form partnerships.

Horizon 2020 dashboard

Access to real-time programme data with the ability to filter by country, region, theme and more

Collaboration and jobs

Scientific publications, tools and databases

Scientific publications

Scientific energy research publications published by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)

EU Open Data Portal

Single point of access to open data produced by the EU institutions - all data free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes

OpenAIRE

You can access all scientific publications from Horizon 2020 via OpenAIRE