On the occasion of World Geothermal Energy Day on October 17, Greenext Drilling Company had the opportunity to attend the “Geothermal Heat Pump Days 2024” conference held from October 16 to 18 in Dublin. The fundamental goal of this conference was to highlight the growing importance of utilizing geothermal energy and the critical role geothermal heat pumps play in achieving an environmentally sound and energy-sustainable future. Additionally, the conference emphasized the need to upgrade geothermal solutions and find advanced technological innovations that can effectively respond to the increasing demand for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing alternative methods for heating and cooling residential areas, building complexes, and industrial facilities.

Key organizers and speakers who contributed to the event included the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC), which aims to raise public awareness on geothermal applications in Europe and globally through policy development, improving investment conditions, and systematic research; the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Geothermal Energy (ETIP-Geothermal), which focuses on promoting geothermal technology and its prospects in Europe; and the Geothermal Association of Ireland (GAI), which advocates for the development and utilization of geothermal resources in Ireland.

To better understand the topics addressed at the conference, it is essential to clarify the concept of “geothermal energy” and highlight the benefits it can bring. Geothermal energy is defined as energy derived from the heat stored or continuously produced inside the Earth. It has two primary applications: electricity generation and space heating.

The most significant advantage of geothermal energy compared to the burning of fossil fuels is that it is a renewable, stable, and reliable energy source, as it can provide virtually unlimited energy given the Earth’s heat is practically inexhaustible on a human timescale. Furthermore, the absence of the need for transporting materials, high fossil fuel consumption, or extensive maintenance during a geothermal project’s operation, combined with its very low indirect greenhouse gas emissions, makes geothermal energy far more environmentally friendly than conventional energy forms.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, the European Parliament adopted the European Climate Law, which aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (up from 40%) and legally commits European Union countries to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Given the rising trajectory and demand for geothermal energy utilization over the years, as clearly illustrated by the following graph, it is evident that geothermal energy is an indispensable tool for achieving the aforementioned EU targets. This will ensure a more sustainable, resilient, and green energy transition, contributing to global efforts to address the climate crisis.