Sustainable Geothermal Energy Roadmap for Future in New EU Member Countries - The Status in Latvia

Abstract

The objective of the new plan “Initiative for Strategic Geothermal Roadmap Development in New EU Member Countries” is to contribute the secure, sustainable and competitively priced energy for Europe from geothermal sources. Main tasks are - to promote the development of new geothermal energy use site clusters in Europe, implement knowledge for new best available technologies for the use of geothermal energy for heating, cooling and electricity production thus supporting energy diversification in new EU member countries, to take away legislative barriers and stimulate research and production of geothermal energy in new EU member countries based on knowledge of experienced partners, to promote energy efficiency during its transport to district heating (cooling) and gridlines in new developed clusters and reduce CO2 emissions in the frame of the EU Energy 2020 Strategy and Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. Latvia does not have huge energetic resources therefore geothermal resources and possible use of those are of great interest. Geothermal groundwater from Cambrian horizon can be used for district heating and cooling systems and if modern technologies applied, electricity production to grid is possible.