The 1st State Geothermal Forum: A Milestone for Geothermal Energy in Spain
The 1st State Geothermal Forum by GEOENERGIA held in Madrid, Spain (source: GEOENERGIA)
On June 18, 2026, the Spanish Geothermal Association, known as GEOENERGIA, hosted the inaugural Geothermal Forum in Madrid. This landmark event aimed to foster collaboration and explore geothermal energy opportunities across Spain. It gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including public officials, industry leaders, academic representatives, and technology experts, all united by a common goal: to advance geothermal energy as a viable solution in the ongoing energy transition.
The Need for Geothermal Energy in Spain
The forum underscored the urgent need for geothermal energy to gain a more prominent position in Spain’s political and energy agenda. Participants unanimously agreed that this renewable energy source is not just an alternative but a strategic asset. It can significantly contribute to energy independence, facilitate the decarbonization of industrial processes, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the Spanish economy. Geothermal energy offers efficient, manageable, and continuously available thermal solutions, making it an essential player in the renewable energy landscape.
Insights from Keynote Speakers
The opening ceremony featured Carmen López, the Director of Renewable Energies and the Electricity Market at the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE). She highlighted the transformative journey of geothermal energy in Spain over the past two decades. Once a little-known technology, geothermal energy is now gaining traction and recognition within national energy policies. López emphasized the importance of raising awareness about geothermal energy, describing it as an “unbeatable” solution due to its capacity to provide locally sourced, renewable energy.
López also pointed out the critical role of geothermal energy and heat pumps in sectors that are particularly challenging to decarbonize, such as building climate control and energy-efficient renovations. She noted that Spain has a unique opportunity to advance in both thermal applications and renewable electricity generation, especially with the support programs aimed at mitigating risks during the initial exploration phases.
Institutional Support and Future Prospects
The forum featured Philippe Dumas, Secretary General of the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC), who provided insights into the evolution of the European geothermal market. He emphasized the growing significance of geothermal energy in the EU’s energy strategy, with over 500 geothermal heating and cooling projects currently in various stages of development across Europe. Dumas also mentioned that the European Commission is preparing new initiatives to accelerate the deployment of geothermal technology.
Antonio García, head of the Hydroelectric, Geothermal, and Environmental Energy Department at IDAE, reviewed the financing instruments and public support available for geothermal projects. He outlined future action lines aimed at promoting thermal renewables across all sectors of the economy.
Belén Benito, Deputy Director General of Mines and Industrial Safety of the Community of Madrid, presented a regional perspective on geothermal potential. She highlighted how geothermal technology can contribute to decarbonizing the building stock and reducing energy dependence while paving the way for new deep geothermal projects in the region.
Spotlight on the Canary Islands
Joaquín Gurriarán, director of DISA Renovables, discussed the prospects of deep geothermal energy in the Canary Islands. He emphasized the importance of ongoing drilling projects in Tenerife, which could lead to the establishment of the first geothermal power plants in the region. This development could serve as a model for the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, where conditions are also favorable for geothermal energy.
Real-World Applications and Technical Insights
The second half of the forum focused on the operational performance of geothermal heating and cooling systems using heat pumps. Through real-world case studies, speakers demonstrated how these systems can achieve high energy efficiency when designed and managed correctly. Presentations from companies like Girod Geotermia, Ecoforest, and GeoIntegral showcased innovative solutions in installation control, digitalization, and intelligent monitoring.
Iñigo Arrizabalaga, director of Telur, emphasized the importance of reliable data and monitoring systems for assessing the actual performance of geothermal facilities. The session also included discussions on energy rehabilitation of buildings and innovative heat pump solutions developed by organizations like Veolia, Tecnalia, and CIEMAT.
A Step Forward for the Spanish Geothermal Sector
The 1st State Geothermal Forum marked a significant milestone for GEOENERGIA in its mission to represent, promote, and structure the Spanish geothermal sector. By creating a stable dialogue platform among public administrations, companies, and research institutions, the forum aims to foster the growth and development of geothermal energy in Spain.
As the world moves toward a more sustainable energy future, the insights and collaborations formed during this forum could play a crucial role in shaping Spain’s geothermal landscape. The potential for geothermal energy in Spain is vast, and with continued support and innovation, it could become a cornerstone of the country’s renewable energy strategy.
