Geothermal energy – untapped potential in Poland

Where does geothermal energy come from?

What is Poland's geothermal potential? First, it is worth considering where geothermal energy comes from. In the case of geothermal energy, energy comes from the interior of the earth and is stored in rocks or water. How does this happen? The most important sources of geothermal energy are solar radiation (heats the interior of the earth), the decay of radioactive isotopes in the earth's crust, and primary heat (it has been in the interior of the earth since its formation). This means that geothermal energy is classified as a renewable energy source.

Geothermal energy is used in heating, for example in seismically active Iceland it is the primary way of heating homes. It can also be used to produce electricity (this is only profitable in the case of very hot springs).

Geothermal springs occur primarily in places with high volcanic and seismic activity. Why? Rainwater penetrates the earth, where it is heated by magma, and then moves to the surface in the form of hot water or steam. Obtaining energy is easier thanks to this. Poland lies outside the zones of tectonic activity, which does not mean that geothermal energy in Poland has no chance of development.

Geothermal sources in Poland

Geothermal energy is virtually inexhaustible, but it is not available everywhere. How is it in our country? Geothermal deposits in Poland are primarily sedimentary-structural basins, which are filled with hot underground waters. Water temperatures range from several dozen to over 90ºC (in some cases it can be even a hundred or so degrees).

Geothermal waters lie beneath the surface of nearly 80% of the country's territory. Geothermal springs in Poland are found primarily in the Carpathian Mountains, the Sandomierz Basin, and the Lublin Basin. Poland's largest cities, including Lublin, are also located in areas rich in geothermal energy. Warszawa, Poznań and Łódź.

Geothermal energy resources in Poland have the greatest technical potential of all renewable energy sources. It is estimated that they are able to cover up to 30 percent of the national heat demand. However, for now, only 8 geothermal heating plants operate in Poland. The use of geothermal energy in Poland does not exhaust the national potential. The so-called shallow geothermal energy, i.e. heat pumps, is doing much better - According to the assumptions of the National Energy and Climate Plan (KPEiK), in 2030 the number of heat pumps installed in Poland is to be around 2 million, and in 2040 it will exceed 5,5 million.

Geothermal energy in the world

Geothermal projects are currently developing throughout Europe. On December 14, 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report analyzing the potential of geothermal energy. According to it, geothermal energy could meet up to 2050% of global electricity demand by 15 (currently it is only 1%). Interestingly, the greatest geothermal potential is in Africa. In the case of Europe, it is estimated at only 5% of the global potential, which is still 35 times the total electrical capacity currently installed on the old continent.

Currently, there are over 140 geothermal power plants operating in Europe, and several dozen more are at various stages of development. How does geothermal energy in Poland compare to this? In 2024, there were 9 geothermal heating plants operating in the country. In 2025, a heating plant is also to be launched in Konin, and the construction of a heating plant in Turek is planned to be completed. Geothermal power plants in Poland will also be built in other cities, which is to be helped by government programs such as Geotermia Plus.

Green energy - the future of Polish energy

Geothermal energy may become one of the most important elements of the national heating mix. The potential of geothermal energy in Poland is still inexhaustible, which is why investments in more geothermal heating plants in Poland are necessary. The discussion on geothermal energy is extremely important. Europe's climate neutrality is to be achieved in 2050, so energy transformation and decarbonization of heating are now a necessity. Therefore, it is better not to wait until geothermal heating in Poland becomes widely available. So how can a company, institution or local community be prepared for the energy transformation? Veolia are solutions tailored to the specifics and needs of our clients. Our offer includes energy efficiency services, energy and gas sales, hybrid systems and energy purchase from renewable energy sources. We will select the optimal heating tools that will reduce costs and environmental impact.