Medium-Deep Geothermal Energy Utilisation Attracts and Challenges Companies in the Sector
The Geological Survey of Finland GTK surveyed the experiences of Finnish geothermal energy stakeholders about the implementation of medium-deep and deep geothermal projects. Medium-deep geothermal energy is still seen as an attractive alternative for producing renewable heating energy. Deep geothermal energy, on the other hand, is perceived as a very challenging alternative.
The GTK survey involves medium-deep geothermal projects implemented in Finland (depth 500 to 3,000 metres) and one deep geothermal project (more than 3,000 metres). The study is based on interviews with nine Finnish stakeholders. The interviews were conducted to find out views on and experiences of geothermal energy projects.
Nine medium-deep and one deep geothermal energy sites had been implemented in Finland by the end of August 2023. Seven of these are in operation or under construction and one is in research use. The realisation percentage is good for pilot activities that are difficult to construct. The situation in the sector is changing rapidly, and there are currently eight operational medium-deep geothermal energy sites.
In all projects, the final implementation has been significantly different from the original plan. There is no uniform operating method for project planning in Finland yet.
“The interest in medium-deep geothermal energy is strong, but more experience and expertise are needed for planning and implementation to develop the sector further. The planning phase focuses more on technical aspects than anticipation of geological factors,” says Teppo Arola, Chief Expert at GTK.
Despite the challenges faced by the stakeholders, the majority of the respondents would not want to invest more in the planning phase. This was the most surprising result of the survey to GTK researchers.
Geothermal energy projects from the companies’ point of view
Significant differences were observed in the implementation of geothermal energy projects, especially in the implementation methods, contract models, monitoring of drilling work, and stakeholder views on the success of the projects. The geothermal energy sector also needs stronger support mechanisms to improve the profitability of projects.
“The planning and implementation of successful geothermal projects still require development, which should also be supported by subsidies. It is important to base each project on carefully collected data and well-known scientific facts to create a long-life cycle of energy wells, providing Finland with clean and self-sufficient energy,” says Erika Salmenvaara, CEO of QHeat, one of the respondents of the survey.
Prerequisites for successful projects include setting realistic goals, careful planning, continuous willingness to improve, and sharing information. It is good that stakeholders in the sector feel that medium-deep geothermal energy is still an attractive alternative for producing renewable heating energy. Supporting the development of the sector will strengthen the supply and sustainability objectives of domestic energy production.
Further information
Teppo Arola, Chief Expert
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
teppo.arola@gtk.fi
tel. +358 29 503 2207
Annu Martinkauppi, Geophysicist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
annu.martinkauppi@gtk.fi
tel. +358 29 503 5223
More information on QHeat’s operations on the company’s website
The research report can be read in the GTK’s Hakku data and download service:
Medium-deep and deep geothermal energy projects in Finland. (in Finnish, abstract available in English)
Teppo Arola, Annu Martinkauppi, Kaiu Piipponen, Sami Vallin and Meri Wiberg. Geological Survey of Finland, Open File Research Report 20/2024.
