Geothermal Energy Technical Seminar | March 27, 2025

 

The technical seminar Geothermal Energy – A Contribution to the Energy Transition, held at the IAPMEI auditorium, was a true success, bringing together 116 participants in a dynamic environment of knowledge sharing.

 

The event attracted a diverse and multidisciplinary audience, including representatives from academia (professors and students), technicians, engineers, and architects, reflecting the growing interest in this topic.

 

The programme started at 14:00 with registration, followed by the opening session by Paulo Carmona, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG). Throughout the afternoon, key topics were addressed, such as the origins of geothermal energy, presented by Carla Lourenço (DGEG); the importance of thermal response testing, by Pedro Madureira (GEOGRADIENTE); geothermal heat pump solutions, by Luís Coelho (Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal); a case study, by João Sousa (Order of Technical Engineers); the concept of “Net-Zero” in the energy transition, by Paulo Partidário (DGEG); and the strategic plan for geothermal energy, by Luís Duarte Silva (DGEG). Our sincere thanks go to all the speakers for their valuable technical and scientific contributions.

 

A carefully prepared coffee break provided an opportunity for informal networking and idea exchange among participants. The roundtable discussion, which included all the speakers and architect Marco Silva representing the Order of Architects, along with the closing session, marked the end of an inspiring and technically enriching day.

 

DGEG thanks all the attendees for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the seminar. Initiatives like this one are key to advancing this technology, which requires more support to grow and establish itself within the national energy context.

 

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Strategic Plan for Geothermal Energy: A Step Towards the Energy Transition | February 17, 2025

 

The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG) presents a strategy for the development of shallow geothermal energy, aligned with the European and national climate goals set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC). Geothermal energy emerges as a sustainable solution for decarbonizing the economy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting energy efficiency in the residential, industrial, services, and agricultural sectors.

 

In 2020, a survey of the geothermal potential of natural mineral waters with temperatures above 25°C revealed that these resources remain underutilized. Optimizing their exploration and use could drive the energy transition, supporting applications such as heating, cooling, and the production of Domestic Hot Water (DHW).

 

To achieve this goal, the DGEG has developed a Strategic Plan for Shallow Geothermal Energy, defining actions that promote the sustainable utilization of this energy source. The document is now available for review and download, allowing all interested parties to access the guidelines for the development of shallow geothermal energy in mainland Portugal.

 

 

📄 Access here to the Strategic Plan for Shallow Geothermal Energy.

 

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Participation in the Seminar “Geothermal Systems on an Urban Scale” | July 19, 2024

 

The DSRHG participated in the seminar "Geothermal Systems on an Urban Scale: From Strategic Planning to Execution," held at Fórum Lisboa on July 19, as part of the GeoSustained Project. This project focuses on assessing the sustainability of shallow geothermal systems for Lisbon and conducting studies on the thermal and thermo-mechanical behavior of the city's soils.

 

This awareness-raising initiative targeted involved entities, specialists, and the general public, featuring technical sessions addressing the energy needs of future cities, the City Climate Contract 2030, and the strategic planning and design of geothermal systems.

 

The program included presentations on low-enthalpy geothermal systems and the challenges of implementation, as well as the exploration and evaluation of geothermal resources. Discussions highlighted integrated solutions for building climate control aimed at carbon neutrality, and a case study was presented on the sustainability of geothermal systems in the Phoenix Building, covering architectural and engineering aspects.

 

The event concluded with a Q&A session, featuring Carla Lourenço and other specialists, leaving the impression that this project will continue to advance.

 

2022 Participation in the workshop of Project GeoSustained - Surface Geothermal Energy: perspectives of application in an urban context in Lisbon| december 6, 2022 | Oral presentation by Carla Lourenço: Geothermal Resources Strategy and Potencial Use Video availabe here.
2021 Participation in the ceremony of signature of the consignation of the work for the geothermal exploitation in São Pedro do Sul | April 22, 2021 | Promotion of geothermal energy in São Pedro do Sul Thermal Spa. Video available here.
2019 Geothermal Seminar | organized by FEUP, Porto| September 30 and October 1, 2019 - presentation "Geothermal Resources - strategy and legislation" by Carla Lourenço.
2019 VIII Jornadas APG - The new energy paradigm: Introduction to surface geothermal systems | FCUL, Lisbon | February 20 and 21, 2019 - presentation Surface Geothermal Resources - strategy and draft legislation by Carla Lourenço.
2017 International Geothermal Seminar | S. Pedro do Sul | December 13, 2017 - presentation Geothermal Potential in Continental Portugal by Teresa Arriaga e Cunha and José Alcântara Cruz.