ORC Geothermal power plants: an analysis of the structure and trends of the European market

Geothermal energy is among the main applications of ORC technology, and it is arguably one of the energy sources where the ORC deployment potential is least fulfilled in Europe. Moreover, as the European Union is engaging in the decarbonisation of its energy system by the middle of the century, the use of geothermal energy for power generation is set to increase rapidly. This paper, based on the findings of the European Geothermal Market Report, an annual publication by EGEC which provides a thorough analysis of the market for geothermal power generation and heating and cooling, will provide an analysis of the ORC turbine market for geothermal energy. The paper will notably explore the merits of ORC technology, justifying a rapid popularity in the geothermal sector. It will also assess the market dynamics, looking at historical data, key manufacturers, capacity installation and so on which have been analysed by EGEC over the past decade across publication of the European Geothermal Market Report. The year 2020 was especially market with COVID-19 impacts, which had a strong impact on developments in many parts of Europe. This did not however stop developments in Turkey which continued its rapid scale up geothermal power capacity with 8 plants commissioned. Beyond the impact of the year 2020 on the industry, developments across Europe have been largely hindered by the lack of a consistent and reliable regulatory framework to enable the development of new resources and support investments in new geothermal plants. The paper will also assess the potential for geothermal electricity in the coming decade, and how this would translate for the ORC sector in light of recent market trends, ongoing technology innovation in the geothermal sector and policy driven prospects.     «

Geothermal energy is among the main applications of ORC technology, and it is arguably one of the energy sources where the ORC deployment potential is least fulfilled in Europe. Moreover, as the European Union is engaging in the decarbonisation of its energy system by the middle of the century, the use of geothermal energy for power generation is set to increase rapidly. This paper, based on the findings of the European Geothermal Market Report, an annual publication by EGEC which provides a tho...     »