Germany’s government has taken a significant step towards enhancing its renewable energy sector by endorsing a bill aimed at expediting the development of geothermal energy. On Wednesday, the proposal was approved, focusing on reducing emissions from buildings and promoting sustainable heating solutions. The legislation seeks to streamline the approval process for various geothermal projects, including geothermal plants, district heating pipelines, heat pumps, and thermal storage systems.
The new bill classifies these geothermal initiatives as projects of “overriding public interest,” placing them on equal footing with solar and wind energy projects. This classification is crucial for facilitating quicker approvals and fostering investment in geothermal technologies. To become law, the bill must now pass through the German Parliament.
According to a research paper from the non-governmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe, geothermal energy has the potential to meet approximately 25% of Germany’s heating demand by 2040, equating to around 300 TWh/year or 72 GW. The organization highlights that the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) for geothermal energy in Germany is competitive with other heating technologies, making it an attractive option for future energy needs.
The Bundesverband Geothermie (BVG), or German Geothermal Association, has reported a significant increase in geothermal projects within the country. Presently, there are 42 geothermal plants in operation, with an additional 16 under construction. The association has noted a surge in planning permits for geothermal exploration, indicating rising interest and investment in the sector.
In addition to geothermal energy, Germany is also working to enhance its solar and wind power generation capabilities. The government has set ambitious targets and is implementing legislative changes to simplify permitting processes. Despite these efforts, Germany is currently falling short of its official goals for both onshore and offshore wind energy.
The country aims to install 10 GW of wind power capacity annually in order to achieve its objective of having renewable sources account for 80% of its electricity generation by 2030.
As Germany pushes forward with its renewable energy agenda, the recent legislative developments in geothermal energy could play a pivotal role in meeting its climate goals and transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
