Policy framework and strategic priorities for shallow geothermal energy deployment in Romania: A pathway towards EU climate neutrality targets

This paper examines the policy framework governing shallow geothermal energy (SGE) utilization in Romania and proposes strategic priorities for accelerating market uptake in alignment with European Union climate neutrality objectives. Despite favorable geological conditions and Romania’s commitment to achieving 30.7% renewable energy share by 2030 under its National Energy and Climate Plan, SGE remains significantly underutilized. The analysis, based on findings from the Danube GeoHeCo transnational project, reveals key policy gaps including the absence of legal distinction between shallow and deep geothermal energy, lack of dedicated national financial support schemes despite €10.09 billion EU Cohesion Policy allocation for green transition, and limited regulatory harmonization. Romanian cities such as Arad, Bucharest, Oradea, and Cluj-Napoca are increasingly recognizing SGE potential for district heating decarbonization. The paper identifies five strategic priority areas for the 2026-2035 period: regulatory framework harmonization, technology development, education enhancement, financial mechanisms, and capacity building for decision-makers. These findings contribute to the European policy discourse on geothermal energy deployment, responding to the European Parliament’s 2024 resolution calling for an EU geothermal strategy.