Germany looks for places to dig and extract geothermal energy

This type of renewable energy could allow it to cover 25% of the country’s heating consumption, according to a study, and reduce its energy dependence.

A disused airport on the outskirts of Berlin could be key to helping Germany become more energy independent and cleaner. It is one of the places that are being studied to excavate and extract geothermal energy, a type of renewable energy from the subsoil.

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In search of a place to dig

This thermal power plant in the center of the capital is another of the candidate sites. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated last week that his country’s goal is to obtain as much geothermal energy as possible by 2030, especially for heating buildings.

The war in Ukraine has forced Germany to drastically reduce its dependence on Russian gas. The German Geothermal Association highlights that interest has skyrocketed since then.

There is no money for geothermal

But its executive director points out that there are obstacles to the expansion of this energy.

“We don’t have enough money in the market for geothermal,” says Andre Deinhardt. “There are some moves by the Government in this regard, but they are not fast enough. And we have to be faster, much faster when it comes to authorizing these geothermal facilities.”

According to a study, geothermal energy could provide more than a quarter of heating in Germany.

“Berlin’s local government is currently looking for more places for geothermal energy,” says Euronews journalist Kristina Jovanovsk from Berlin. “It plans to start digging deep in 2025. But some environmentalists say that’s not enough, that the country should completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels.”

Environmentalists demand more

“There is no other way to align with the Paris Agreement and other climate goals than renewable energy,” insists Anike Peters of Greenpeace. “And that is why it is so important that the German Government stops investing in fossil fuels and begins to really push for 100% renewable energy.”

Supporters maintain that geothermal energy could help Germany rely on its own resources. And it is more reliable than other renewables such as solar.

“We’re independent, it’s cheaper, you always have it,” says Deinhardt. “Especially if it’s cold, there’s often not enough sun. But geothermal energy is a flow of heat that you always have: 24/7.”

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