Press release I Brussels I July 2022 I The Horizon 2020 funded CROWDTHERMAL project launches its set of core services for communities of citizens, geothermal project developers and local authorities with a view to facilitating the involvement of citizens in the development of geothermal energy projects.

The mission of the EU-funded CROWDTHERMAL project is to empower society to directly participate in the development of geothermal projects, with the help of alternative financing schemes and social engagement tools. The project team now launches the Beta-version of its set of services with regards to alternative financing, social engagement and risk mitigation for geothermal projects. These services encompass environmental studies, economic aspects, financial risk mitigation and social acceptance considerations.

The core services will assist the geothermal sector, contributing thus to an accelerated market development in Europe and supporting the European Union’s 2030 climate and energy targets as well as the new REpowerEU plan, which aims at a greater strategic independence of Europe’s energy supply. Geothermal energy is indeed readily available 24 hours per day as inexhaustible heat from within the earth, that can be tapped in the form of hot water or steam.

The following services have been set up for communities of citizens, geothermal project developers and local authorities:

Photo: Directional well drilling in Szeged, one of the CROWDTHERMAL case studies. Credit: SZETAV Ltd.

The Beta-versions of all core services are available publicly via the CROWDTHERMAL website.

The objective being to turn CROWDTHERMAL into a one-stop shop for enquiries about empowerment in geothermal projects through community funding, the project team is seeking feedback on its service proposition and welcomes constructive user opinions via a dedicated survey.