Germany announces call for proposals for Geothermal Exploration Initiative
The building complex of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy in Berlin, Germany (source: Jörg Zägel, CC BY-SA 3.0 
Carlo Cariaga
19 Nov 2025
The Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy of Germany has issued a call for proposals for geothermal exploration projects from preliminary work to drilling.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has announced a call for proposals for geothermal exploration projects within the framework of the “Geothermal Exploration Initiative” funding program. The deadline for proposals will be on 31 January 2026. Project proposals must be submitted through the easyOnline electronic application system.
The funding aims to support the economic implementation of deep geothermal projects by acquiring comprehensive subsurface information. Initiatives to be considered in the funding call include site-specific preliminary studies, geophysical explorations (e.g., seismic surveys), and initial drilling, as well as accompanying scientific investigations. More information on the funding call is available via this document (in German).
The funding call is divided into three modules. Projects in the modules can be applied for and carried out differently:
- Module 1 – Preliminary studies
- Module 2 – Exploration and demonstration projects
- Module 3- Accompanying scientific investigations
The funding call is aimed particularly at energy companies and municipal utilities in collaboration with scientific institutions (universities and research institutions). The focus is on promoting consortia led by a commercial partner or user, which can be complemented by the scientific expertise of other consortium partners.
The funding call focuses on open geothermal systems in Germany with target depths of 400 m and above, typically hydrothermal doublets. For the first time, funding for petrothermal systems is also possible under this new exploration initiative (significant heat potential in Germany, but also increased research and development costs). A prerequisite for open geothermal utilization systems is that the thermal water is reinjected into the subsurface.
Projects for the exploration and development of geothermal reservoirs deeper than 400 meters for economically viable heat supply are eligible for support. Heat cascade, the utilization of seasonal surplus heat, and the integration of storage systems are all possible. Project-related measures to promote social acceptance can also be funded.
The funding call addressed the objectives of the Heat Transition 2045 Programme, which set the ambitious goal of developing 10 TWh of medium-depth and deep geothermal energy by 2030. Germany is working on several policy-related initiatives that aim to support geothermal growth, particularly the proposed Geothermal Energy Acceleration Act (that is currently still under deliberation) and a discovery insurance scheme for geothermal projects.
