The Greet GEO Forum in the Azores – “Strengthening Interregional Cooperation for Geothermal Development in the EU’s Outermost Regions” – took place on 16 September. The event was organised by INOVA – the Institute for Technological Innovation of the Azores, in partnership with the La Palma Research Centre (LPRC) and the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP), the project coordinator. The project is led at EIHP by dr. sc. Sanja Živković.
Despite its significant potential, geothermal energy remains underutilised in many European regions, particularly in the EU’s outermost regions. The forum therefore brought together experts and project partners to exchange knowledge and experience, strengthen interregional connections, and present practical solutions, technological advances, and strategic approaches to accelerating geothermal energy development across Europe.
One of the key highlights of the programme was the presentation of the initial findings of the “Report on Geothermal Investment Opportunities in the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands”, followed by a discussion on public policies, market barriers, and attracting investment. The programme also featured experiences in harnessing high- and low-enthalpy geothermal resources in the Azores, Croatia, mainland Portugal, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Croatian experts also contributed to the discussions. Željka Sladović, MSc (GeoDa), presented Croatia’s geothermal energy potential and development, while Jadranka Leško (Ministry of Economy) shared Croatia’s experience in developing geothermal projects during a panel discussion.
To showcase examples of sustainable geothermal energy applications on islands, the forum also included a technical field visit to INOVA’s experimental greenhouses, the Ribeira Grande geothermal field and power plants, the Caldeira Velha thermal area, and the Fogo volcanic caldera.
Photo: Inova
