MEPs on the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy backed Zdzisław Krasnodębski's (ECR, Polish) own-initiative report on geothermal energy by a large majority (51 votes in favour, none against and 2 abstentions) on Thursday 7 December.
Among other things, the report highlights the need for electricity and gas distribution network operators to include geothermal energy in their planning and investment in local energy infrastructures, to introduce specific aid for investment in local geothermal solutions, and to improve the harmonisation and presentation of geological data.
On the legal front, the report suggests a harmonised approach to the legal basis for geothermal energy in national mining laws. It also calls on the European Commission to define a European strategy for geothermal energy.
“It would be best to set up a Geothermal Alliance involving Member States, industry, academia and civil society to facilitate the exchange of best practices, the implementation of much needed geothermal strategy and, last but not least, to raise awareness of this energy source, which can be crucial for the energy transition”, said Mr Krasnodębski after the result.
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/a1t (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)