The opinion drafted by József Ribányi, Member of Tolna Megye County Council, was today adopted by unanimity at the CoR plenary session. It underlines that locally produced energy like geothermal has direct benefits for local communities and economies that would "benefit from an EU-wide strategy" and further financial assistance, research and support.

Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski (PL/ECR), was invited as guest speaker to the debate. In January the plenary of the European Parliament voted in favour of a resolution to support a European geothermal energy strategy, the work of which was led by Professor Krasnodebski. On 12 April, CoR rapporteur József Ribányi spoke at a conference on Unlocking Geothermal Potential in the EU, organised by the ECR group in the European Parliament, in cooperation with the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) and the Polish Geothermal Society (PSG). It was hosted by Professor Krasnodębski.

During the debate, the rapporteur highlighted the many benefits of geothermal energy including its "positive impact on boosting employment especially in rural areas and its contribution to the EU's just transition", as it can use decommissioned fossil fuel facilities such as coal mines and provide re-skilling opportunities for workers in oil and gas sectors.

Locally produced renewable energy could play a considerable role in building more resilient local communities while making the EU more energy independent, energy secure and contributing to decarbonisation goals. However, as the production of geothermal energy remains relatively expensive in many cases, Mr Ribányi suggests developing and scaling up local geothermal energy production with the provision of suitable public guarantees and financial credit lines for geothermal heating and cooling, and electricity infrastructure development.

The rapporteur concluded by calling for more data and the dissemination of best practices and research findings, which he stated would also help cities and regions to develop "technically and economically viable solutions" depending on the various geological and geothermal conditions, which currently remain among the biggest obstacles.