EGEC hosted a Policy Session on 9 June as part of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) in Brussels. The Policy Session ‘European Geothermal Action Plan for energy security, affordability and competitiveness’ was prepared in close partnership with the European Commission (DG Energy) and Canada's Mission to the EU. The session was introduced by EGEC's Policy Director, Sanjeev Kumar, who reminded the audience that for many years EGEC has been calling for the adoption of an ambitious Geothermal Action Plan at European level in order to accelerate the deployment and maximise the utilization of geothermal energy throughout Europe (see EGEC's proposals). The European Commission was represented by Mechthild Worsdorfer (Deputy Director-General, DG Energy). She confirmed that the Commission is currently finalising a package of proposals that should be published before the end of July. This package will include measures to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition and mobilise all renewable energy resources, including geothermal, building on the EU Green Deal legislation and the AccelerateEU plan. Callie Stewart (Head of Trade Section, Canada's Mission to the EU) highlighted Canada’s support for next-generation geothermal technologies. She underlined that unlocking the potential of these technologies requires supportive policies, and confirmed Canada’s willingness to collaborate with the EU and other international partners. Marcin Kaniewski (Business Development Consultant with Eavor Technologies Inc.) described Eavor’s pioneering closed-loop geothermal demonstration project in Geretsried (Germany), which was realised with funding from the EU Innovation Fund and a loan from the European Investment Bank. Eavor’s closed loop technology can reliably provide both electricity and heat, with a relatively small environmental footprint and low operating costs. Marco Baresi (Vice-President of EGEC / Director of Marketing & Institutional Affairs, Turboden S.p.A.) said that when it comes to scaling up geothermal energy, Europe should learn from what has worked in the USA, notably in terms of political leadership and vision, favourable policies and suitable financial frameworks. Lily Burge (Global Policy Lead at Climate Bonds Initiative) explained that the EU could help to drive up investment in geothermal projects by providing policy stability and by making permitting procedures both simpler and faster. Thomas Homer-Dixon, Executive Director at the Cascade Institute, agreed that having an enabling regulatory environment is vital for drawing in private capital. He echoed the demand for faster permitting and licensing procedures, and he also called for close collaboration between the public and private sectors. Bringing the session to a close, Sanjeev Kumar emphasized that Europe’s geothermal sector is calling for a Geothermal Action Plan that will be a stand-alone document, and which will include ambitious targets for increasing Europe’s geothermal capacity in terms of heating and cooling as well as electricity generation. Scroll down for more photos (© European Union 2026) and a video recording of the Policy Session ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut5OitEgBIY

On 3 June 2026, the European Commission published a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the energy sector. This roadmap aims is to accelerate the rollout of digital solutions, including European AI solutions, in important areas for the decarbonisation process, such as electricity grid optimisation, energy efficiency in buildings and industry and demand-side flexibility. The roadmap also addresses the increasingly heavy energy consumption of data centres and how they can be more sustainably integrated into the energy system, as well as the need to implement safeguards to mitigate potential challenges linked to the large-scale deployment of AI solutions in the energy sector. In the framework of the roadmap, EGEC is involved in a new initiative that aims to support collaboration among European industry associations to foster the sustainable integration of data centres in the energy system. This will be done through the definition of an EU model for tripartite agreements between data centre operators, energy-related parties and public authorities. Based on numerous examples around the world, we can see that geothermal energy is increasingly being utilized by data centre operators. The benefits of geothermal solutions include: continuous 24-7 electricity generation, highly efficient geothermal cooling solutions and underground thermal energy storage. So there is huge potential for geothermal companies to get more involved in meeting the energy needs of data centres! Also on 3 June, EGEC participated in a Signature Event in Brussels, which was hosted by the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing - Dan Jørgensen. In the photo below (on the left side) you can see EGEC Board Member Carla Barrera (SLB), alongside our Vice-Presidents Marco Baresi (Turboden S.p.A.) and Kamila Piotrowska (Baker Hughes). [Photo: © European Union, 2026]

Statement published by EGEC on 15 May 2026 The European Geothermal Action Plan must be presented as an independent communication because its role is to deliver real-world investments to secure Europe’s energy system. It must be measured by the quantity and quality of investments, reforms, jobs, and imported fossil fuels replaced for the security of supply. It must be both politically and financially bankable. This is why governments (Council Conclusions, 16 December 2024), the European Parliament (Resolution of 18 January 2024 on geothermal energy), investors, financiers and consumers have called for a dedicated geothermal action plan. The following geothermal-specific measures were stipulated in the AccelerateEU communication, as published by the European Commission on 22 April 2026: EU-database of geological data, geothermal derisking and insurance schemes, international cooperation through the EU Global Gateway. The following measures are now required from the dedicated Geothermal Action Plan: Better EU regulatory frame with “Geothermal Industrial Alliance” for implementing measures and simplified permitting; Scale up with planning EU initiatives, leverage public funding with private investment, strengthen supply chain and research & innovation. For more details see EGEC's policy document:Additional substantive measures for the Geothermal Action Plan (May 2026)

EGEC signs a Declaration of Support to foster the sustainable integration of data centres in the energy system  5 June 2026  The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) welcomes the adoption of the European Commission's Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the Energy sector, and the opportunity for the geothermal sector to sign a Declaration of Intent with the European Commission, the data centre operators, the energy-related parties and the public authorities.  The Roadmap sends a strong political signal that digitalisation and AI must become central enablers of Europe's clean energy transition and industrial competitiveness and geothermal is a key solution to allow an affordable transition.   The rapid deployment of AI technologies and cloud computing is expected to significantly increase Europe's electricity and cooling demand. The Geothermal energy sector is ready to provide an immediate and long-term solutions to these challenges.   Geothermal is:   A baseload, domestic, renewable energy source present all over Europe  Capable of generating electricity 24/7  Supplying heating small and large scale  Supplying free or active cooling   Providing underground energy storage esp for waste heat  Enabling the extraction of critical raw materials, including lithium, produced in Europe.  Unlike many clean technology, geothermal is made in Europe. The resource is local, stable, and shielded from geopolitical shocks, making geothermal uniquely positioned to become a strategic partner for Europe's future AI and data infrastructure.   Geothermal electricity has a unique value in generating base load electricity 24/7 anywhere in Europe.  Geothermal cooling technologies have already demonstrated strong operational performance in Europe. Existing projects show that geothermal free cooling can dramatically reduce electricity consumption while maintaining reliable year-round operation for high-demand digital infrastructure. Underground technologies also support seasonal balancing for heat and cooling demand, including the storage and reuse of waste heat generated by data centres.   The geothermal sector already uses AI and advancing computing technologies to improve exploration, drilling, reservoir modelling, operations and predictive maintenance. Digitalisation and AI can significantly reduce project development risks and lower the levelised cost of geothermal energy. The sector therefore welcomes the Roadmap's ambition to strenghten research and innovation for AI applications in the energy sector.  Permitting remains one of the main bottlenecks for geothermal deployment in Europe. Digital permitting platforms integrating geological mapping and environmental assessments could substantially reduce delays and increase investors certainty.   Representing EGEC at the signature with the European Commission and the data centre industry, EGEC board members highlighted:  “On the occasion of this Declaration of Support, we underline the essential role of sustainable power supply for data centres, with geothermal ensuring reliable baseload renewable energy. Maximising waste heat recovery is equally key to integrating data centres into local energy systems. At the same time, strengthening Europe’s manufacturing technologies is strategic to deliver resilient, competitive, and decarbonised digital and energy infrastructure.” - Marco Baresi - VP EGEC    "Today’s signing marks a significant step in turning our Strategic Roadmap on Data Centers into reality. This tripartite agreement demonstrates how collaboration between the European Commission, industry, and energy partners can unlock new opportunities for sustainable digital growth. By integrating geothermal energy into the development of data center infrastructure, we are creating a model that strengthens energy security, supports decarbonization, and enhances our competitiveness in the global digital economy. Together, we are building the foundations for a future where digital innovation and clean energy advance hand in hand." - Kamila Piotrowska - VP EGEC  "Europe's energy sovereignty will increasingly depend not only on access to energy resources, but also on leadership in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. As AI transforms how energy systems are designed, operated, and optimized, geothermal energy has a unique role to play by providing reliable, domestic, and low-carbon power and heat that can support the growing energy demands of digital infrastructure. This Strategic Roadmap sets out a shared vision to strengthen Europe's resilience, competitiveness, and ability to shape its own energy future." - Carla Barrera - EGEC board member  EGEC therefore is now willing to be among the first signatories of a tripartite agreement on sustainable integration of data centres. 

Policy document published by EGEC on 15 May 2026 Additional substantive measures for the Geothermal Action Plan

To help the EU reach its 2030 climate and energy targets, the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action sets common rules for planning, reporting and monitoring. It also outlines the monitoring mechanism to ensure the EU’s compliance with international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC. On 18 December 2025, the European Commission launched a call for evidence and an open public consultation to help shape the upcoming revision of the Governance Regulation. On 19 March 2026, EGEC submitted its response to the call for evidence on the updating of the governance of the Energy Union and climate action. EGEC's response to the call for evidence on the updating of the governance of the Energy Union and climate action