The European Union (EU) has pledged its support for a new global initiative that seeks to increase geothermal energy supply 12-fold by 2050.
This commitment was made during the COP31 climate summit, held in Antalya, Türkiye.
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The Global Geothermal Ambition 2050 was announced by the Turkish COP31 Presidency, in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
It aims to collectively scale up both geothermal power and heat supplies to 12 times the levels projected for 2025 by the middle of the century.
IRENA analysis cited in the pledge indicates that global geothermal power capacity could rise from 15.6GW in 2025 to 193GW in 2050.
The overall supply of geothermal energy for heat and electricity is projected to increase from around 2.5 exajoules (EJ) to approximately 31EJ over the same period.
Participating signatories have agreed to enhance policy measures and stimulate investment opportunities for geothermal projects.
Other focus areas include advancing research and development, improving supply chains, and increasing international cooperation and technical assistance, all while upholding environmental and social responsibilities.
EU Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said: “Geothermal energy has a key role to play in strengthening Europe’s energy security, competitiveness and resilience. It offers a reliable, clean source of heating and cooling, as well as continuous baseload electricity, independent of weather conditions and global energy price fluctuations.
“By harnessing this clean energy source, we can reduce emissions, support affordable energy for our citizens and businesses, and reinforce our strategic autonomy.
“By joining this pledge, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to unlocking geothermal energy’s full potential as a cornerstone of a more resilient, sustainable and diversified energy system.”
The declaration also highlights the importance of stable regulatory and institutional environments, timely permitting, and supportive infrastructure to speed up geothermal deployment.
Measures to tackle exploration risks, improve access to finance, and expand geothermal use in buildings, agriculture, industry, and tourism are included.
The pledge lays out a collaborative effort to review and assess global progress, drawing on existing reporting frameworks including those maintained by IRENA.
Signatories underscored the collective nature of the ambition, acknowledging that rates of development will vary by country and that participation is voluntary, with each member retaining control over its energy strategy.
The initiative calls on further governments, businesses, and organisations to support and contribute to the expansion of geothermal energy worldwide.
