Number of deep geothermal plants on the rise

02.03.2026

Source: E & M powernews

The German Geothermal Energy Association has updated its map of current projects in Germany. It hopes that deep geothermal district heating will continue to gain in importance.

There are currently 45 deep geothermal plants in operation in Germany. That is three more than at the beginning of the previous year, according to the German Geothermal Energy Association (BVG). The association has summarized the plants in its updated map "Deep Geothermal Projects in Germany". It shows all existing projects as well as those under construction and in planning.

43 of the 45 plants are used to supply heat. Twelve also feed electricity into the grid, mostly in combination with district heating supply. The plants tap into geothermal energy, usually several thousand meters deep, and use it to provide heat or electricity, the BVG continues.

The installed heat output of the plants currently totals 442 MW. According to the association, the technical potential is significantly greater. "In the future, deep geothermal plants alone could cover at least a quarter of the heating and cooling requirements in Germany," says Managing Director Gregor Dilger.

The expansion is picking up speed. There are currently 18 plants under construction, two more than in the previous year. The number of planned projects is growing particularly strongly. There are currently 178 projects, 23 more than in the previous year. The number of exploration permits issued in 2024 had already almost doubled compared to the previous year - from 82 to 155.

Interest in deep geothermal plants is increasing

The BVG thus sees an increased interest in deep geothermal energy for the decarbonization of heating networks. The Geothermal Acceleration Act (GeoBG), which recently came into force, has created an important regulatory framework.

The "Deep Geothermal Energy Development Loan" developed by the German government together with the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and Munich Re is also helpful, the report continues. The law and loan are intended to facilitate investments, also with regard to municipalities, and to cushion risks, particularly in the exploration phase (we reported).

Regulatory requirements for the use of renewable energies, such as quotas as part of the Building Energy Act, are seen by the association as an effective instrument for controlling the heating market. In the industry's view, they should remain part of a long-term energy policy.

"Many domestic companies are in the starting blocks and want to implement projects that create jobs, contribute to security of supply and preserve our environment. It is now important to send clear signals that the heating and cooling transition should continue unabated," says Dilger. "We need reliable funding programs and effective regulatory legislation."

The PDF map of Germany is updated once a year. There is also a digital version on the BVG website.

Author: Stedan Sagmeister