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The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) advocates for the European Commission to prioritize next-generation geothermal technologies—such as Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS), closed-loop systems (Advanced Geothermal Systems), and superhot rock systems—within the EU Action Plan on Geothermal Energy. These technologies, which access heat from deeper and hotter crustal layers (above 374°C), offer higher energy density and can be deployed more widely than traditional geothermal energy. CATF recommends a bold R&D agenda, the establishment of financial risk-sharing mechanisms via the European Investment Bank, the creation of a standardized permitting template based on Germany's Geothermal Acceleration Law, and the development of an EU-wide geothermal data repository to attract private capital and accelerate deployment by the early 2030s.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) argues that while SMRs are critical for the EU's 2050 climate neutrality goal, current frameworks are inadequate. The proposed roadmap includes: (I) a dedicated EU SMR Strategy to ensure technology neutrality; (II) streamlining State Aid approvals to a six-month limit and adopting diverse financing models like Regulated Asset Base (RAB) and Mankala; and (III) coordinating international finance via the European Investment Bank (EIB). CATF emphasizes the need for 'fast mover' technology selection to achieve economies of scale, noting that factory-based construction could reduce costs by 20–25% and delivery times by 50%. The brief also highlights a significant workforce gap, estimating a need for 180,000–250,000 new professionals by 2050.

The document critiques the over-reliance on Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) in EU energy policy, noting that while it provides a project-level cost snapshot, it fails to account for system-wide needs, dispatchability, and the full cost to ratepayers. It advocates for a systems-level approach that integrates diverse generation, storage, and demand-response technologies to ensure a reliable, low-carbon grid.

The document outlines how nuclear energy can support the decarbonisation of EU heavy industries, which account for over half of Europe's energy consumption. It highlights the benefits of nuclear-industrial co-location to provide 24/7 clean firm energy, high-temperature heat for processing, and synthetic fuel production. The text specifically promotes small modular reactors (SMRs) as a flexible solution for industrial clusters, citing planned projects in Poland and Romania. To accelerate this transition, the author recommends streamlined licensing, the formation of regional industrial 'buyers' clubs', and clear policy frameworks that recognise nuclear heat as a valid tool for industrial decarbonisation targets.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote non-food cellulosic biofuels. However, a decade later, the mandate is primarily filled by corn ethanol and soy biodiesel, which together comprise approximately 85% of the RFS. These first-generation biofuels may have higher lifecycle emissions than the petroleum fuels they replace. While corn ethanol and soy biodiesel volumes meet or exceed targets, cellulosic biofuel production has struggled due to technological and economic hurdles, leading the EPA to reduce its annual volume requirements by more than 90% in recent years. The document concludes that the RFS is an ineffective climate policy and recommends that Congress reform it to target truly low-carbon fuels for hard-to-decarbonize transportation sectors.

The document advocates for the use of nuclear energy orderbooks in Europe to avoid the inefficiencies of fragmented deployment. It explains that by shifting from design evolution to design standardisation and serial replication, the EU can leverage 'learning by doing' effects to lower average unit costs, strengthen supply chains, and overcome regulatory and financing barriers.

The document examines the energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), highlighting the region's shift away from Russian energy dependence toward a diversified 'all-of-the-above' approach. It identifies significant potential for the region to lead in clean tech manufacturing and innovation, particularly in batteries, small modular reactors (SMRs), and carbon capture, while leveraging the EU's Just Transition Fund to reskill coal workers and build innovation hubs.

The document highlights that just 1% of Chile's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 1385 GW of energy capacity, potentially meeting the country's projected 2050 electricity demand and replacing all coal and gas imports used for electricity production. It argues that this energy-dense resource would require significantly less land than other energy sources and support Chile's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The document highlights that just 1% of Croatia's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 6 GW of capacity, generating over 48,521 GWh of electricity. This amount is more than three times the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 15,205 GWh. Such a resource could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 3 megatonnes, which represents 23% of Croatia's share of the EU's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal. Additionally, the technology could eliminate Croatia's dependence on imports for coal (100%), natural gas (79%), and electricity (76%). The report also notes the high energy density of superhot rock geothermal, estimating that 1 GW requires roughly 12 km² of land, significantly less than solar (180 km²), offshore wind (520 km²), or biomass (14,000 km²).

The document highlights that just 1% of Egypt's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 740 GW of energy capacity, potentially meeting the country's projected 2050 electricity demand of 590,070 GWh. It argues that this technology could replace fossil fuel imports, significantly reduce CO2 emissions from the electricity sector, and require far less land than solar or wind power.

The document highlights that just 1% of El Salvador's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 31 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 6,342 GWh. It argues that this technology could replace all electricity imports, reduce land-use footprints compared to other renewables, and support the nation's 2050 low-carbon development strategy.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) argues that the EU must adopt a diversified, options-based climate strategy to reach its 2050 net-zero goal, as relying on a single pathway increases risk. The document emphasizes the necessity of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, noting that no operational CO2 storage sites currently exist in the EU. CATF recommends a portfolio of zero-carbon fuels, nuclear fission, fusion, and superhot rock energy to ensure energy security and a reliable 24/7 carbon-free electricity grid. It specifically proposes separate targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, nature-based removals, and industrial removals to ensure transparency and durability. Additionally, the document advises against including methane in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to avoid disincentivizing CO2 reductions, suggesting instead separate initiatives like an EU Import Standard for oil and gas.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) recommends that the EU Governance Regulation be revised to formally define and incentivise 'clean firm' electricity generation—dispatchable, low-emission sources that do not rely on weather. The brief argues that relying solely on renewable penetration metrics is inadequate for decarbonisation, citing the difference in carbon intensity between Germany and France. CATF proposes three main actions: establishing a legal definition of clean firm generation, setting an EU-wide installed capacity target, and requiring Member States to report on these targets within their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to ensure system adequacy and energy security.

The report argues that Poland should adopt a technology-neutral, long-term energy strategy that includes nuclear power to achieve a zero-carbon economy by 2050. It emphasizes that because the cost of capital is a primary driver of final electricity costs, the Polish government must play a central role in de-risking projects. The document specifically analyzes Contracts for Difference (CfDs) as a primary state aid mechanism to stabilize revenues, while cautioning that CfDs do not address construction risks. Drawing on UK case studies, it contrasts the Hinkley Point C project, which suffered from cost overruns and lack of construction risk-sharing, with the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model used for Sizewell C, which lowers the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) by sharing risks with consumers. The report concludes that Poland must ensure high transparency in financial governance to maintain public support.

The document highlights that just 1% of France's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 227 GW of energy capacity, exceeding the country's 2021 electricity demand. It argues that this technology could replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 36 megatonnes of CO2eq and enhancing energy independence. Additionally, it notes the technology's low land footprint compared to other energy sources and its ability to provide reliable 24/7 power to the grid.

The document highlights that just 1% of Germany's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 119 GW of energy capacity, potentially replacing all coal and gas used for electricity production and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 234 megatonnes. It argues that this energy source offers a low land-use footprint and enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The document highlights that just 1% of Greece's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 48 GW of energy capacity, generating over 402,489 GWh of electricity. This amount is seven times the country's 2021 electricity consumption and could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 19 megatonnes of CO2eq. The report emphasizes the technology's low land footprint—requiring roughly 12 km² per 1 GW—and its ability to enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imports of coal, natural gas, and electricity.

The document highlights that just 1% of Guatemala's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 31 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 13,896 GWh. This resource could theoretically replace all coal, oil, and gas used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 4 megatonnes of CO2eq, which represents 7% of Guatemala's 2030 NDC goal. Additionally, the technology is noted for its low land footprint, requiring roughly 12 km² per 1 GW, and its ability to provide 24/7 firm power, potentially reducing the need for extensive new transmission infrastructure.

The document highlights that just 1% of Honduras's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 109 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 11,117 GWh. This resource could theoretically replace all fossil fuels used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 3 megatonnes of CO2eq, which represents 66% of Honduras's 2030 NDC goal. Additionally, the technology is noted for its low land footprint—requiring roughly 12 km² per 1 GW—and its ability to provide 24/7 firm power, reducing reliance on energy imports, particularly coal from the United States.

The document highlights that just 1% of Hungary's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 34 GW of energy capacity, generating over 285,013 GWh of electricity. This amount is eight times the country's 2021 electricity consumption and could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 10 megatonnes. Such a transition would significantly enhance energy security, as Hungary currently imports 63% of its coal, 67% of its natural gas, and 55% of its electricity. Additionally, superhot rock geothermal is noted for its high energy density, requiring only 12 km² of land per 1 GW, compared to much larger footprints for solar, wind, and biomass.