One of the objectives of the EU Energy Strategy is to move beyond an economy based on fossil fuels.
The new directive on renewable energy proposes as a binding target for the UE that at least 27% of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2030. Many of the changes that this transition involves will be noticed in cities and municipalities. An ecosystem for the promotion of the energy transition and geothermal energy in the local communities of the Atlantic Area is necessary: cooperation between actors; social awareness; consumer training; economic promotion; demonstrator effect.
In combination with technologies, renewable sources can supply the demand for heat and cold, which is half of the final energy demand in Europe. And there is still more to advance in energy production.
“An appropiate economic and political environment is required, in order to advance in research, innovate, explore, design, finance, build and start up geothermal energy installations” (EGEC 2015).
Geothermal energy, especially in electricity production, is still new in most of the Atlantic Area regions and it is a field to explore.
Only part of the potential of geothermal energy is being exploited. Increasing its use and strengthening the geothermal industry will allow a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
Geothermal energy is a local source of energy, which produces electricity and heat for cities and rural communities or for uses such as agriculture. It enables a decentralised approach, empowers the consumer and chooses a more democratic energy model.
In the participating territories, projects of this type have not yet been promoted or are being studied, so the network of partners will act as a catalyst for innovative solutions for the supply of local energy based on endogenous renewable resources and which will reduce the impact on CO2 production.
