Heating and cooling represent nearly half of the European Union’s final energy consumption and remain largely dependent on fossil fuels. Achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan requires the rapid deployment of renewable heating and cooling technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. Among these technologies, geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) offer one of the most efficient and reliable renewable solutions, providing heating, cooling and domestic hot water with very low carbon emissions. Despite their technical maturity, geothermal heat pumps still account for only a small share of the European heating market due to non-technical barriers such as complex permitting procedures, fragmented regulations, limited public awareness, a lack of skilled professionals, and financing challenges.

The GeoBOOST project aims to accelerate the market uptake of geothermal heat pumps and open-loop geothermal systems across Europe by addressing these market barriers. Rather than developing new geothermal technologies, the project focuses on creating the conditions necessary for large-scale deployment through improved market intelligence, policy support, innovative financing mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development. GeoBOOST also contributes to improving the collection and harmonisation of geothermal market data, supporting evidence-based policymaking and investment decisions.

A major component of the project is the development of training and capacity-building activities for designers, installers, drillers, planners, public authorities and policymakers. Building upon the GEOTRAINET framework, GeoBOOST develops new educational materials, technical guidelines and a European Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to strengthen professional skills and promote best practices throughout the geothermal sector. The project also engages financial institutions, industry representatives and public authorities to facilitate investment in geothermal systems and improve the regulatory environment across Europe.

By bringing together research organisations, universities, geological surveys, industry associations and private companies, GeoBOOST contributes to making geothermal heat pumps a mainstream renewable technology for buildings. The project supports the decarbonisation of Europe’s heating and cooling sector while improving energy security, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and contributing to the EU’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The GeoBOOST project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No. 101077613. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.