Search Climate Insights Directory

The document presents nuclear energy as a critical, low-carbon complement to renewables for meeting growing global electricity demand, specifically within Central and Eastern Europe. It highlights the region's existing nuclear infrastructure and the potential for new deployments to achieve EU climate-neutrality goals. The text addresses safety, waste management, and costs, noting that while upfront capital expenditures are high, nuclear power is among the safest and cleanest energy sources available.

The document highlights that just 1% of Pakistan's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 150 GW of energy capacity, exceeding the country's projected 2050 electricity demand of 742,734 GWh. This resource could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 57 megatonnes of CO2eq and decreasing reliance on energy imports from Qatar and South Africa. Additionally, superhot rock geothermal is noted for its low land footprint, requiring roughly 12 km² per 1 GW, and its potential to create jobs in engineering and geology.

The document highlights that just 1% of the Philippines's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 216 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 106,110 GWh. This resource could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 75 megatonnes of CO2eq, and significantly reducing the country's 90% dependence on coal imports, primarily from Indonesia. Additionally, superhot rock geothermal is noted for its high energy density, requiring only 12 km² of land per 1 GW, which is substantially lower than solar, wind, or biomass.

The document argues that Poland must adopt a 'technology-optionality approach' to decarbonise its coal-dependent power system without compromising reliability or industrial competitiveness. It recommends a diverse portfolio including nuclear energy (targeting over 8 GW), expanded onshore wind (up to 70 GW), and the integration of carbon capture and storage (CCS) for energy-intensive industries. The brief calls for the update of national strategies—including the Polish Nuclear Power Programme (PPEJ) and the National Hydrogen Strategy—by 2025-2026 to provide investment certainty. Additionally, it advocates for the exploration of next-generation geothermal energy, the implementation of EU methane regulations, and the development of a clean hydrogen roadmap that balances low-carbon and renewable production pathways.

The document argues that Poland must adopt a 'portfolio approach' to decarbonization, integrating renewables, nuclear power, carbon capture, and hydrogen to ensure energy security and industrial competitiveness. It emphasizes the need to harmonize national strategies—such as the Polish Nuclear Energy Program and the National Energy and Climate Plan—within the next 12 months to attract private capital. Key recommendations include expanding onshore wind to 70 GW, establishing a nuclear fleet of at least 8 GW, creating a national CCUS strategy by early 2026, and updating the Polish Hydrogen Strategy by the first half of 2026. The brief also highlights the importance of next-generation geothermal energy and strict adherence to EU methane emission regulations for the oil, gas, and coal sectors.

The document highlights that just 1% of Rwanda's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 41 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 973 GWh. This resource could theoretically replace all fossil fuels used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 0.3 megatonnes of CO2eq and decreasing dependence on coal imports from Tanzania. Additionally, superhot rock geothermal is presented as a highly land-efficient energy source requiring only 12 km² per 1 GW, compared to significantly higher requirements for solar, wind, and biomass.

The document highlights that just 1% of Serbia's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 23 GW of energy capacity, generating over 195,481 GWh of electricity. This amount is five times the country's 2021 electricity consumption and could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 30 megatonnes of CO2eq. Such a transition would enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imports of coal (10%), natural gas (79%), and electricity (18%). Additionally, superhot rock geothermal is noted for its low land footprint, requiring roughly 12 km² per 1 GW, and its ability to provide reliable 24/7 power to the grid.

The document advocates for the deployment of next-generation geothermal systems in Central and Eastern Europe to provide baseload carbon-free electricity and heat. It highlights superhot rock (SHR) geothermal as a high-temperature resource that can deliver 5-10x more power per well than traditional methods. The author calls for a comprehensive EU Geothermal Action Plan by Q1 2026 and increased R&D funding to reduce project costs, which are projected to fall by 80% over the next decade. It specifically identifies Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary as countries well-positioned to benefit from combined high-temperature heat and power projects.

The report outlines a three-phase roadmap for deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Poland, emphasizing the need for cross-government coordination, diverse financing mechanisms, and a transition from first-of-a-kind projects to a standardized fleet. It highlights SMRs' potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries, repurpose coal sites, and provide district heating. The document recommends utilizing tools such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs), Regulated Asset Base (RAB) frameworks, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to mitigate construction and market risks. It also stresses the importance of securing early supply chain capacity in Europe and developing a high-level radioactive waste repository to ensure long-term sustainability.

The report outlines a three-phase roadmap for deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in Poland to support decarbonization and energy security. It emphasizes the need for inter-ministerial coordination, the adoption of diverse financial instruments such as Contracts for Difference (CfD) and the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model, and the transition from single demonstration projects to a commercial fleet. The document also highlights the strategic importance of securing supply chains, managing high-level radioactive waste, and leveraging EU funding and the IPCEI framework to position Poland as a regional SMR leader in Central and Eastern Europe.

The document highlights that just 1% of South Korea's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 50 GW of capacity, meeting 68% of its 2021 electricity demand and potentially replacing 48% of its coal imports. It argues that this energy-dense, 24/7 renewable source could significantly reduce carbon emissions and land-use requirements compared to other energy technologies.

The document highlights that just 1% of Spain's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 229 GW of energy capacity, potentially replacing all coal and gas used for electricity production and reducing emissions by approximately 41 megatonnes of CO2eq.

The document highlights that just 1% of Switzerland's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 20 GW of energy capacity, generating over 167,836 GWh of electricity. This amount is more than three times the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 66,039 GWh. Utilizing this resource could theoretically replace all coal and gas used for electricity production, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 3 megatonnes, which represents 10% of Switzerland's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal. Additionally, the technology could eliminate the need for all natural gas and electricity imports, improving energy independence. Superhot rock geothermal is noted for its high energy density, requiring roughly 12 km² of land per 1 GW, significantly less than solar (180 km²), natural gas (160 km²), offshore wind (520 km²), or biomass (14,000 km²).

The document highlights that just 1% of Syria's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 194 GW of energy capacity, generating over 1,613,788 GWh of electricity. This amount is 95 times the country's 2021 electricity consumption and could theoretically replace all fossil fuels used for electricity production, supporting Syria's Nationally Determined Contribution goal of 10% renewable power by 2030. The technology is described as a land-efficient, 24/7 energy source that could reduce Syria's dependence on coal imports, primarily from Turkey, and provide raw energy for desalination and hydrogen production.

The document highlights that just 1% of Tajikistan's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 68 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 20,719 GWh. This resource could potentially replace all coal, natural gas, and electricity imports, reducing electricity sector carbon emissions by approximately 2 megatonnes, which represents 32% of Tajikistan's Nationally Determined Contribution goal. While not expected to reach commercial scale by 2030, the technology is presented as a way to complement hydropower and improve air quality by reducing fossil fuel combustion.

The document highlights that just 1% of Thailand's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 294 GW of energy capacity, potentially replacing all coal and gas used for electricity production and reducing emissions by approximately 82 megatonnes of CO2eq. It argues that this technology offers a low land-use footprint and a reliable 24/7 power source that could significantly reduce Thailand's dependence on energy imports from Myanmar, Qatar, and Indonesia.

The document highlights that just 1% of Türkiye's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 594 GW of energy capacity, potentially replacing all coal and gas used for electricity production and meeting the country's projected 2050 electricity demand of 609,503 GWh. It argues that this technology would enhance energy security by reducing dependence on coal (58% imported) and natural gas (98% imported), while requiring significantly less land (12 km² per 1 GW) than solar, wind, or biomass.

The document highlights that just 1% of the UK's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 6 GW of capacity, meeting 17% of the country's 2023 electricity demand. This resource could potentially replace all coal and oil and 33% of the gas used for 2021 electricity production, reducing emissions by approximately 25 megatonnes of CO2eq. Additionally, it could replace 15% of the UK's gas imports and requires significantly less land (12 km² per 1 GW) than other energy sources like solar or wind.

The document highlights that just 1% of Uzbekistan's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 8 GW of capacity, generating over 69,871 GWh of electricity, which is approximately 98% of the country's 2021 annual electricity demand. It argues that this technology could replace coal and gas imports, reduce land-use footprints compared to other renewables, and leverage existing subsurface expertise from the oil and gas sector.

The document highlights that just 1% of Vietnam's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 425 GW of energy capacity, potentially replacing all coal and gas used for electricity production and reducing emissions by approximately 142 megatonnes of CO2eq. It argues that this energy source offers a low land-use footprint and could reduce Vietnam's dependence on coal imports from Australia and Indonesia.