The advantages of using geothermal for power production and H&C are little known. Recently, deep geothermal energy production in some regions is confronted with a negative perception, and a special attention from some decision-makers, in terms of environmental performance, which could seriously hamper its market uptake. Media reports focus more on disadvantages than advantages. As a result, decision makers and potential investors have concerns about possible environmental impacts and risks involved in implementing geothermal projects, and social resistance often results in practical obstacles - such as significant slowdowns - to the deployment of the deep geothermal resources. The first objective of the GEOENVI project is to make sure that deep geothermal energy can play its role in Europe’s future energy supply in a sustainable way. It aims to create a robust strategy to respond environmental concerns (by environmental concerns we mean both environmental impacts and risks): • by assessing the environmental impacts and risks of geothermal projects operational or in development in Europe, and • by providing a robust framework to propose recommendations on environmental regulations to the decision-makers, an adapted methodology for assessing environment impact to the project developers, and finally • by communicating properly on environmental concerns with the general public. Secondly, GEOENVI aims at engaging with both decision-makers and geothermal market actors, to have the recommendations on regulations adopted and to see the LCA methodology implemented by geothermal stakeholders. The engagement with stakeholders includes to share knowledge by adopting an open and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) data approach.

In order to decarbonise the power, heating, and transport sectors and reach a climate neutrality by 2050, Europe needs a wide range of renewable technologies, including geothermal systems. Geothermal will be a key energy source in the European decarbonized energy mix. Indeed, geothermal is a unique energy source that can provide a significant share of electricity, heating and cooling, thermal storage and minerals such as lithium in 2022 and beyond. It is a source of energy which is renewable, local and continuously available as it is not dependent on climate conditions. Europe has pioneered the exploitation of geothermal resources for over a century and the EU still maintains a leading role due to research, innovation and the development of new technologies allowing the production of geothermal power as well as heating and cooling everywhere. In this proposal, the project GEOTHERM-FORA aims at facilitating Research and Innovation (R&I) activities in geothermal systems by supporting the workResearch, development, and innovation (RD&I) are needed to develop renewable technologies, accompanied by market uptake measures. Major investments in geothermal research and innovation are necessary to develop and deploy the next generation of geothermal technologies and answering the challenges for the transformation of our energy system towards a decarbonisation of our economy. Research, development, and innovation (RD&I) are needed to develop renewable technologies, accompanied by market uptake measures. Major investments in geothermal research and innovation are necessary to develop and deploy the next generation of geothermal technologies and to answer the challenges for the transformation of our energy system towards a decarbonisation of our economy.

The GEOFLEXheat project aims to revolutionize the European geothermal energy sector by introducing an innovative suite of technologies to enhance the extraction, efficiency and application of geothermal heat across diverse industrial sectors. This initiative is driven by a consortium that synergizes leading research institutions, SMEs, and industry experts to tackle the challenges of scalability, integration, and social acceptance associated with geothermal systems. At the core of project lies the development of a Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger coupled with an advanced Scaling Reactor to improve heat recovery from geothermal brine while simultaneously providing valuable mineral byproducts. This is complemented by a novel High-Temperature Heat Pump that delivers cost-effective and high-temperature heat, crucial for a wide range of industrial processes and beyond. The project will also deliver a state-of-the-art Control Strategy and Digital Twin, optimizing system performance and enabling real-time management of geothermal plants. Through comprehensive simulation and modelling, the project will showcase the full potential of geothermal energy to provide stable, affordable, and sustainable heat supply. The ambitious goals include fostering Europe's global leadership in renewable technologies, ensuring reliable energy supply for industries and households, and accelerating the integration of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage with geothermal systems. To ensure the project's outcomes have a lasting impact, GEOFLEXheat will execute robust commercialization strategy, including the establishment of a spin-off company, extensive environmental and economic assessments, and the creation of a Social Acceptance Guide to facilitate policy influence and community engagement. Embracing a future where geothermal energy is a cornerstone of Europe's renewable energy mix, GEOFLEXheat is poised to become a catalyst for energy sustainability, economic growth and environmental stewardship.