Successful heating transition ahead: Climate fund wants to increase the potential of this sustainable resource
Vienna (OTS) – Climate-friendly, clean and renewable – what solar and wind energy has long had a positive impact on also applies to geothermal energy. Deep geothermal energy still has great potential in Austria and can play an important role in the future energy system. In conjunction with heating and cooling networks, this regional, constantly available and sustainable energy source can supply entire cities, decarbonize industrial processes and strengthen Austria as a business location. In order to promote the use of heat from the earth, the Climate and Energy Fund is supporting feasibility and preliminary studies, exploration and investigation measures, pilot drillings and the preparation of projects for the economic use of deep geothermal energy with the “Deep Geothermal Energy” program for the first time. A budget of 10 million euros, funded by the Climate Protection Ministry (BMK), is available for this purpose.
According to a study commissioned by the Ministry of Climate Protection and prepared by the Climate and Energy Fund, the currently known and technically usable potential of deep geothermal energy in Austria lies publication (2022) at up to 1,000 MW thermally – for comparison: the thermal output of the Spittelau waste recycling plant in Vienna corresponds to 58 MW.
Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler: “Our heat supply must function cleanly, safely and independently of imports. When it comes to ‘deep geothermal energy’, we know that it meets these requirements. It contributes to a sustainable, emission-free and affordable heat supply.”
Climate and Energy Fund Managing Director Bernd Little: “Our new program helps to develop and implement projects for deep geothermal energy in heating networks and in industrial processes. The entire spectrum extends from planning to exploration to pilot drilling. This is intended, among other things, to reduce the risks associated with geothermal drilling. We are excited about the projects that will emerge from this initiative.”
“Deep geothermal energy” funding program
The aim of the program is to create the basis for the implementation of efficient and environmentally friendly deep geothermal energy projects. Site-specific feasibility and preliminary studies, exploration and exploration measures as well as pilot drilling are funded. These measures are intended to prepare and support the implementation of economical systems for deep geothermal energy.
The Climate and Energy Fund supports companies and public institutions in five modules:
* Module 1: “Basic preliminary studies” (maximum funding: 20,000 euros)
* Module 2: “Feasibility studies” (max. 100,000 euros)
* Module 3: “Exploration and exploration” (max. 1 million euros)
* Module 4: “Pilot drilling” (max. 3 million euros)
* Module 5: “Citizen participation and information events” (in connection with the program “Expert pool for communities and non-profit organizations”)
The program also aims to obtain data about the subsurface and improve the level of knowledge for future deep geothermal energy projects.
The call for applications is open from now until June 30, 2024 (12:00 p.m.).
Additional Information:
All information about funding and submission is below http://tinyurl.com/mpht8krx available.
“Deep geothermal energy” guide:
http://tinyurl.com/y532d6ze
Questions & Contact:
Climate and Energy Fund
Mag. Katja Hoyer
Press and public relations
+43 1 5850390-23
katja.hoyer@klimafonds.gv.at
www.klimafonds.gv.at