[en] The development and production of geothermal energy in Belgium remains very low compared to other renewable energies. Although shallow geothermal systems represent the major part of the sector in Belgium, the potential of deep geothermal energy is important but still little used. Only four geothermal plants are currently operational and supply heating networks (Saint-Ghislain, Douvrain, Ghlin, Balmatt) and a fifth is under construction (Beerse). Other projects are currently under investigation in Flanders (Turnhout, Herentals and Lommel).
Besides deep and shallow geothermal systems, the geothermal potential of abandoned coal mines of Wallonia has recently been evaluated. Its potential to produce heat and cold (as well as for the storage of thermal energy) is very promising and has encouraged the funding of feasibility studies for pilot projects in this region.
In the scope of speeding up the energy transition, the policies of the different regions continue to support both shallow and deep geothermal projects, through subsidies for research and/or project development and by updating some regulatory constraints.
Belgian scientists from different institutes and universities are involved in several ongoing geothermal research projects, which are briefly introduced in this paper.
