Renewable energy has become a cornerstone of sustainable development in Europe, as countries and businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprints and combat climate change. Among the various renewable energy sources, geothermal energy stands out due to its consistent availability and minimal environmental impact. This article explores the use of geothermal energy in Europe, highlighting its potential, benefits, and the challenges associated with its adoption.
The European Landscape of Renewable Energy
Europe has been at the forefront of adopting renewable energy, with significant investments in wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy. According to the European Environment Agency, renewable energy sources accounted for 34% of the EU’s gross final energy consumption in 2020. This shift is driven by ambitious targets set under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive, aiming for at least 32% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2030.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the Earth’s core. This energy can be accessed by tapping into underground reservoirs of steam and hot water, which can then be used to generate electricity, provide heating, and for various direct applications. Unlike other renewable sources such as wind and solar, geothermal energy is available 24/7, providing a reliable and stable energy supply.
Distribution and Potential of Geothermal Energy in Europe
Geothermal energy potential in Europe is significant but varies by region due to geological differences. Key regions include:
- Italy: Known for its geothermal activity, particularly in Tuscany, where the Larderello geothermal power plant has been operational since 1913.
- Germany: The Upper Rhine Graben and the Molasse Basin are rich in geothermal resources, supporting both power generation and direct heating applications.
- France: The Paris Basin uses geothermal energy primarily for district heating.
- Hungary: Utilizes its geothermal resources extensively for agricultural heating and residential purposes.
The European Union supports geothermal projects through various funding mechanisms, including the Horizon 2020 program and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which aim to promote innovation and sustainability in energy.
Benefits of Geothermal Energy
- Environmental Impact: Geothermal energy has one of the lowest carbon footprints among renewable energy sources. It produces minimal emissions and uses small land footprints compared to solar and wind farms.
- Reliability: Geothermal plants can operate continuously, providing a stable energy supply independent of weather conditions.
- Economic Efficiency: After the initial investment, geothermal energy systems have low operating costs. The energy is produced locally, reducing dependence on imported fuels and enhancing energy security.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its advantages, the adoption of geothermal energy faces several challenges:
- High Initial Costs: Drilling and exploration for geothermal resources are capital-intensive. However, financial incentives and subsidies from the EU and national governments can help mitigate these costs.
- Geological Risk: The success of geothermal projects depends on finding suitable underground reservoirs, which can be uncertain. Advances in technology and better geological surveys are reducing these risks.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Varying regulations across countries can slow down project approvals. Streamlining regulatory processes and providing clear guidelines can facilitate faster adoption.
Practical Applications and ROI
The return on investment (ROI) for geothermal projects can be promising. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the payback period for geothermal projects ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the scale and location. Additionally, geothermal energy can significantly reduce operational costs for heating and cooling, particularly in the tourism industry.
Case Study: Sardegna Grand Hotel Terme
Located in Sardinia, Italy, Sardegna Grand Hotel Terme is an exemplary case of using geothermal energy to achieve sustainability. The hotel utilizes the thermal waters of Fordongianus, which emerge at 53°C, for heating and spa applications. Large heat pumps extract excess calories from the thermal water, efficiently heating the hotel and producing hot water.
Additionally, the hotel has installed photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of 258 Kwp, generating electricity that covers the energy needs for extracting thermal water, saving 128,000 kg of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to planting 3,800 trees.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy holds great promise for reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing energy security in Europe. By leveraging this reliable and sustainable energy source, the tourism industry can not only achieve significant cost savings but also contribute to environmental conservation. The case of Sardegna Grand Hotel Terme demonstrates the practical benefits and feasibility of adopting geothermal energy, setting a benchmark for others in the industry. As Europe continues to push for a greener future, the integration of geothermal energy into the tourism sector will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
European Geothermal Tourism Locations
Italy
- Larderello (Tuscany): Fractured metamorphic rocks; Electricity generation, district heating (350°C)
- Fordongianus (Sardinia): Volcanic rocks, trachyte; Thermal baths, heating (53°C)
- Ischia: Volcanic, hydrothermal activity; Thermal spas, heating (40°C – 90°C)
- Saturnia: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, spa treatments (37°C)
- Montegrotto Terme: Alluvial deposits; Thermal spas, wellness centers (87°C)
- Abano Terme: Alluvial and volcanic deposits; Thermal baths, therapeutic treatments (80°C – 87°C)
- Bagni di Lucca: Metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (54°C)
- Rapolano Terme: Limestone, travertine; Thermal spas, wellness centers (39°C)
- San Casciano dei Bagni: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, therapeutic treatments (41°C)
- Chianciano Terme: Limestone, travertine; Thermal spas, wellness centers (38°C)
- Petriolo (Tuscany): Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, spa treatments (43°C)
- Bagno Vignoni: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, wellness centers (52°C)
- Salsomaggiore Terme: Salt deposits, clay; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (16°C – brine)
- Castelnuovo Berardenga: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, spa treatments (38°C)
- Acqui Terme (Piedmont): Limestone, clay; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (75°C)
Germany
- Bavarian Molasse Basin: Molasse sediments; District heating, electricity generation (50°C – 150°C)
- Upper Rhine Graben: Sedimentary basin; Electricity generation, district heating (100°C – 150°C)
- Bad Staffelstein: Jurassic limestone; Thermal spas, wellness centers (45°C)
- Bad Urach: Limestones, marls; Thermal baths, spa treatments (61°C)
- Erding: Molasse basin; Thermal spas, wellness centers (63°C)
- Bad Füssing: Tertiary sediments; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (56°C)
- Bad Wörishofen: Tertiary sediments; Thermal baths, Kneipp therapy (50°C)
- Bad Reichenhall: Limestone, dolomite; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (25°C)
- Bad Nauheim: Tertiary sediments; Thermal spas, wellness centers (30°C)
- Wiesbaden: Sedimentary basin; Thermal baths, spa treatments (66°C)
- Aachen: Devonian limestones; Thermal spas, wellness centers (45°C)
- Bad Pyrmont: Sandstone, claystone; Thermal baths, therapeutic treatments (24°C)
- Bad Salzuflen: Salt deposits, marl; Thermal spas, wellness centers (22°C)
- Bad Kissingen: Triassic limestones; Thermal baths, spa treatments (15°C – brine)
- Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler: Devonian slates; Thermal spas, wellness centers (31°C)
France
- Paris Basin: Sedimentary basin; District heating, thermal spas (55°C – 85°C)
- Alsace (Soultz-sous-Forêts): Granite; Electricity generation, district heating (150°C)
- Bourbonne-les-Bains: Limestone, marl; Thermal spas, wellness centers (66°C)
- Aix-les-Bains: Limestone, marl; Thermal baths, spa treatments (46°C)
- Dax: Sedimentary basin; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (64°C)
- Vichy: Volcanic rocks, limestone; Thermal baths, spa treatments (39°C)
- Bagnères-de-Bigorre: Metamorphic rocks; Thermal spas, wellness centers (50°C)
- Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda: Metamorphic rocks; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (62°C)
- Chaudfontaine: Limestone, sandstone; Thermal baths, wellness centers (36°C)
- Ax-les-Thermes: Granite, schist; Thermal baths, spa treatments (77°C)
- Néris-les-Bains: Granite, gneiss; Thermal baths, wellness centers (53°C)
- Saint-Gervais-les-Bains: Metamorphic rocks; Thermal spas, spa treatments (39°C)
- Evian-les-Bains: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness treatments (11°C – mineral water)
- La Roche-Posay: Cretaceous limestone; Thermal baths, dermatological treatments (14°C)
- Luchon: Metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (67°C)
Hungary
- Budapest (Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas Baths): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (35°C – 77°C)
- Hévíz (Lake Hévíz): Limestone, dolomite; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (38°C)
- Miskolctapolca: Limestone, dolomite; Cave baths, wellness centers (30°C – 35°C)
- Hajdúszoboszló: Sedimentary basin; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (75°C)
- Bük (Bükfürdő): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (55°C)
- Eger (Egerszalók): Limestone, dolomite; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (68°C)
- Sárvár: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (83°C)
- Zalakaros: Sedimentary basin; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (96°C)
- Gyula: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (72°C)
- Debrecen (Nagyerdei): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (63°C)
- Makó: Sedimentary basin; Thermal baths, wellness centers (41°C)
- Harkány: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, therapeutic treatments (62°C)
- Tiszaújváros: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (65°C)
- Szolnok: Sedimentary basin; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (56°C)
- Szentes: Sedimentary basin; Thermal baths, wellness centers (70°C)
Greece
- Santorini (Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni): Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, wellness centers (35°C – 45°C)
- Loutraki: Metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (30°C)
- Aidipsos (Evia): Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, therapeutic treatments (40°C – 80°C)
- Kamena Vourla: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Kyllini: Limestone, travertine; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (32°C)
- Methana: Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, spa treatments (39°C)
- Lagadas: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (39°C)
- Thermopylae: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, therapeutic treatments (40°C)
- Ikaria (Therma): Granite, schist; Hot springs, wellness centers (52°C)
- Loutra Pozar: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, spa treatments (37°C)
- Krinides: Limestone, travertine; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (29°C)
- Aridaia: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Agia Paraskevi (Kassandra): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (39°C)
- Smokovo: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness centers (35°C)
- Traianoupoli (Alexandroupolis): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, therapeutic treatments (52°C)
Portugal
- Azores (São Miguel Island – Furnas Valley): Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, wellness centers (35°C – 60°C)
- Caldas da Rainha: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, spa treatments (35°C)
- Terceira Island: Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, wellness centers (35°C – 60°C)
- Graciosa Island: Volcanic rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (40°C)
- São Jorge Island: Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, wellness centers (35°C – 50°C)
- Pico Island: Volcanic rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (40°C)
- Faial Island: Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, wellness centers (35°C – 60°C)
- Santa Maria Island: Volcanic rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (40°C)
- Madeira (Porto Moniz): Volcanic rocks; Hot springs, wellness centers (40°C)
- Caldas da Felgueira: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (35°C)
- Chaves: Granite; Thermal baths, spa treatments (73°C)
- São Pedro do Sul: Granite; Thermal baths, wellness centers (68°C)
- Monção: Granite; Thermal baths, wellness treatments (39°C)
- Melgaço: Granite; Thermal baths, spa treatments (44°C)
- Vila do Conde: Granite; Thermal baths, wellness centers (25°C)
Spain
- Galicia (Ourense – As Burgas): Granite; Thermal baths, spa treatments (67°C)
- Canary Islands (Tenerife – Teide National Park): Volcanic rocks; Potential for electricity generation, hot springs (90°C subsurface)
- Murcia (Archena): Limestone, marl; Thermal baths, spa treatments (52°C)
- Alhama de Aragón: Limestone, travertine; Thermal baths, wellness centers (34°C)
- Montbrió del Camp: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness centers (41°C)
- Caldas de Reis: Granite; Thermal baths, spa treatments (40°C)
- Lugo (Caldaria Termas de Cuntis): Granite; Thermal baths, wellness centers (50°C)
- Granada (Lanjarón): Metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness treatments (31°C)
- Almería (Sierra Alhamilla): Limestone, dolomite; Thermal baths, spa treatments (43°C)
- Orense (Termas de Outariz): Granite; Thermal baths, wellness centers (60°C)
- Valladolid (Las Salinas de Medina del Campo): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness treatments (32°C)
- Santander (Puente Viesgo): Limestone, dolomite; Thermal baths, wellness centers (32°C)
- Ciudad Real (Almagro): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Navarra (Elgorriaga): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Barcelona (Caldes de Montbui): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness treatments (74°C)
Slovenia
- Moravske Toplice: Sedimentary basin; Thermal spas, wellness centers (72°C)
- Podčetrtek (Terme Olimia): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness treatments (32°C)
- Ptuj (Terme Ptuj): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness centers (39°C)
- Dolenjske Toplice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (36°C)
- Lendava: Sedimentary basin; Thermal baths, wellness centers (62°C)
- Laško (Thermana Laško): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (32°C)
- Radenci: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness treatments (41°C)
- Čatež ob Savi: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (61°C)
- Šmarješke Toplice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (32°C)
- Rogaška Slatina: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (59°C)
- Strunjan (Talaso Strunjan): Sedimentary rocks; Thalassotherapy, wellness centers (23°C – seawater)
- Zreče (Terme Zreče): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (34°C)
- Bled (Rikli Balance Hotel): Sedimentary rocks; Wellness centers, spa treatments (23°C – lake water)
- Dobova (Terme Paradiso): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (32°C)
- Topolšica: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (31°C)
Slovakia
- Piešťany: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness centers (67°C)
- Bešeňová: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal spas, wellness centers (60°C)
- Rajecké Teplice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (38°C)
- Trenčianske Teplice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (37°C)
- Štúrovo (Vadaš Thermal Resort): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (39°C)
- Dudince: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, spa treatments (30°C)
- Podhájska: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (80°C)
- Liptovský Mikuláš (Tatralandia): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (60°C)
- Komárno: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (54°C)
- Patince: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (27°C)
- Sliač: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (33°C)
- Bardejovské Kúpele: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Ružbachy: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (19°C – cooler but therapeutic)
- Kováčová: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (48°C)
- Turčianske Teplice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (47°C)
Czech Republic
- Karlovy Vary: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (73°C)
- Teplice: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (38°C)
- Mariánské Lázně: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Františkovy Lázně: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Velké Losiny: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (36°C)
- Jáchymov: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Radon spa treatments, wellness centers (29°C)
- Luhačovice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (14°C – 16°C – carbonated waters)
- Karlova Studánka: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Třeboň: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Lázně Bělohrad: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Poděbrady: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (13°C – 14°C – carbonated waters)
- Bludov: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Mšené-lázně: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Darkov: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Lednice: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (42°C)
Bulgaria
- Sapareva Banya: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (103°C)
- Velingrad: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (48°C)
- Devin: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Sandanski: Granite, metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (75°C)
- Hisarya: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (51°C)
- Pavel Banya: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (54°C)
- Kyustendil: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (73°C)
- Bankya: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (36°C)
- Varshets: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Ognyanovo: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (43°C)
- Kostinbrod: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (45°C)
- Mihalkovo: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Rupite: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (75°C)
- Separeva Banya: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (103°C)
- Gorna Banya: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (41°C)
Romania
- Băile Felix: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (49°C)
- Băile Herculane: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (53°C)
- Sovata: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (29°C – 40°C – saltwater lakes)
- Călimănești-Căciulata: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (41°C)
- Mangalia: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (24°C – Black Sea geothermal)
- Eforie Nord: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (20°C – Black Sea geothermal)
- Sângeorgiu de Mureș: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (35°C)
- Tășnad: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (55°C)
- Geoagiu-Băi: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (33°C)
- Ocna Sibiului: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (29°C – saltwater lakes)
- Covasna: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Vatra Dornei: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (26°C)
- Buziaș: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (36°C)
- Borsec: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (10°C – 15°C – carbonated waters)
- Călan: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
Austria
- Bad Gastein: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (47°C)
- Bad Blumau: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (47°C)
- Bad Hofgastein: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (47°C)
- Bad Ischl: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (39°C)
- Bad Kleinkirchheim: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (29°C)
- Bad Vöslau: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (25°C)
- Bad Tatzmannsdorf: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (38°C)
- Bad Radkersburg: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (80°C)
- Bad Waltersdorf: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (62°C)
- Villach (Warmbad): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (29°C)
- Bad Schallerbach: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Bad Leonfelden: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (22°C)
- Laa an der Thaya: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (42°C)
- Bad Hall: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (24°C)
- Bad Füssing: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (56°C)
Switzerland
- Vals (Therme Vals): Metamorphic rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Bad Ragaz (Tamina Therme): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (37°C)
- Leukerbad: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (51°C)
- Scuol: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Yverdon-les-Bains: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (28°C)
- St. Moritz (St. Moritz Bäder): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (29°C)
- Lavey-les-Bains: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (33°C)
- Zurich (Thermalbad & Spa Zürich): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (35°C)
- Valsana Hotel & Appartements (Arosa): Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (28°C)
- Bad Zurzach: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (39°C)
- Bad Schinznach: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (38°C)
- Rigi Kaltbad: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (34°C)
- Thermalbad Brigerbad: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (30°C)
- Les Bains de Lavey: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (33°C)
- Les Bains d’Ovronnaz: Sedimentary rocks; Thermal baths, wellness centers (32°C)
This comprehensive list highlights the extensive geothermal potential across Europe, offering unique experiences that combine relaxation, wellness, and sustainability. By leveraging geothermal resources, these destinations not only provide therapeutic benefits to visitors but also contribute to environmental conservation and energy efficiency.