Unlike other regenerative sources of energy such as the wind and the sun, geothermal power is not exposed to meteorological fluctuation, providing a steady, reliable flow of energy.

For this reason scientists, plant engineers and, last but not least, district heating suppliers place their hopes in geothermal power. In theory, geothermal warmth is an inexhaustible source of energy. However, the possibilities of generating power from the Earth's warmth in an economically feasible manner are limited at present.

Due to the relatively low steam temperatures in geothermal power plants, these facilities only achieve efficiencies of 15%. However, warmth emanating from the Earth’s core is likely to become an increasingly important proposition for regional heat supplies in a number of countries.

In Germany, geothermal energy is currently used for heating.

Geothermal Plant in Braunau-Simbach

This is Europe's first cross-border district heating facility. The two border cities, Braunau (Upper Austria) and Simbach (Bavaria, Germany), receive heat from the warmth of the Earth originating from a depth of 2,000 meters. It is by far the largest geothermal project in Central Europe.