Geothermal energy is the most diverse renewable energy source, being used for heating, cooling, electricity, and even critical raw materials. In this high-level event, the expert panel discussed how investing in geothermal energy can support a just transition for those regions most dependent on fossil fuel energy systems.

Through the conversion of hydrocarbon infrastructure and the development of local clean energy projects, the geothermal sector can provide a path to achieving the European Commission’s 55% emissions reduction target by 2030. Further, some case studies from the Horizon 2020 GEOENVI project concreted examples on how the geothermal just transition works in practice.

DRAFT AGENDA

• Introduction –  Philippe Dumas, Secretary General, EGEC

Keynotes speeches

• A green transition based on solidarity – Hans van Steen, Acting Director for Just Transition, DG Energy, European Commission
• Becoming climate-neutral by 2035 – Terhi Lehtonen, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Finland

Case studies

• Geothermal energy and benchmark with other renewables – Guillaume Ravier, ES Géothermie (France)
• Switching from fossil fuels to geothermal heating and cooling – Tamas Medgyes, District Heating & Cooling of Szeged Municipality (Hungary)

Roundtable – How to ensure a just transition by 2030?

Moderator: Philippe Dumas, EGEC Secretary General

• Martin Hojsík, Member of the European Parliament
• Katie Treadwell, Energy Policy Officer, WWF Europe
• Olivier Racle, Director District Heating Solutions, ENGIE

Questions & Answers with the audience

Watch the recording of the GEOENVI webinar here: