EU Geothermal Could Replace 42% of Fossil Fuel Power

Imagine tapping into Earth's natural heat to power your home with electricity that costs less than coal and never runs out. That future is closer than you think, and it could transform how Europe gets its energy.

A groundbreaking report from energy think tank Ember reveals that enhanced geothermal systems could replace 42% of the European Union's coal and gas electricity. The technology works by drilling up to eight kilometers deep into hot rock, injecting fluid into natural cracks, then pumping the superheated liquid back up to generate power.

The best part? It works almost anywhere, not just in volcanic regions like Iceland. This opens up clean energy possibilities across the entire continent.

Researchers identified 43 gigawatts of geothermal capacity that could be developed at prices comparable to fossil fuels. That's enough to generate 301 terawatt hours of electricity every year, powering tens of millions of homes without burning a single piece of coal or drop of gas.

Hungary sits on the biggest treasure trove, with 28 gigawatts of untapped potential. Turkey follows with 6 gigawatts, while Poland, Germany, and France each have around 4 gigawatts waiting to be developed.

What makes geothermal particularly exciting is its stability. Unlike solar and wind power that depend on weather, geothermal produces electricity around the clock. And since there's no fuel to buy, countries won't face the price swings that make fossil fuels so unpredictable.

The technology isn't even new. France, Germany, and Switzerland launched pilot projects back in the 2000s, proving the concept works.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about cleaner air or lower electricity bills. Geothermal development could spark an entire industrial sector, creating jobs in drilling, engineering, and plant operations across Europe. Communities sitting on geothermal resources could become energy hubs, attracting investment and expertise.

The shift would also strengthen Europe's energy independence. Every kilowatt hour generated from domestic geothermal resources means one less purchased from foreign fossil fuel suppliers. That security matters just as much as the environmental benefits.

Tatiana Mindekova, a policy advisor at Ember, points out that geothermal electricity can now be cheaper than gas while being cleaner and more reliable. The challenge isn't whether the resources exist anymore, but whether policies can catch up to make projects easier to build.

Right now, North America is racing ahead with commercial projects while Europe faces slow permitting processes. But the foundation is there, and the potential is enormous.

The heat beneath our feet could power a cleaner, more stable energy future for generations.