Unlocking Geothermal Energy Potential: Decarbonising Heating and Cooling and Agri-food Sectors in South East Europe

Background

Heating and cooling account for half of Europe’s energy use, yet only about 25% comes from renewables. In South East Europe (SEE), this reliance on fossil fuels, combined with rising temperatures and energy poverty, underscores the need for cleaner, more resilient solutions.

Geothermal energy offers a reliable and low-carbon option for district heating and cooling (DHC) and agri-food processes. When combined with heat pumps and thermal storage, it can cut emissions and costs while boosting energy security in cities.

Momentum is growing through the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and the upcoming European Geothermal Action Plan (EGAP, 2026). Examples such as Hungary’s geothermal retrofit in Szeged—serving over 27,000 apartments and reducing nearly 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually—show the potential for replication across SEE.

About the Workshop

To support geothermal integration into heating, cooling, and agri-food systems, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), through the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA), will host a virtual workshop: “Unlocking Geothermal Energy Potential: Decarbonising Heating and Cooling and Agri-food Sectors in South East Europe” on Tuesday, 9 December 2025

The workshop will share strategies and tools for geothermal planning, featuring:

• Session 1: Core elements—resource assessment, regulation, and feasibility.
• Session 2: Case studies, including the Szeged geothermal district heating project.

The workshop will equip regional stakeholders with practical insights to accelerate geothermal deployment across SEE.

Virtual event. By Invitation only.