A high-level session at the European Parliament on 20 November 2025 showcased the latest breakthroughs of the EU-funded CRM-geothermal project, which is pioneering sustainable methods to extract critical raw materials (CRMs) from geothermal fluids. The event was hosted by MEP Nicolás González Casares, who highlighted the opportunities offered by combined solutions such as CRM-geothermal, which can strengthen strategic autonomy while reducing energy costs for households.
Moderated by Katrin Kieling, Project Manager at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, the session highlighted how CRM-geothermal innovations can simultaneously advance the EU’s clean energy transition, reduce costs, and create social benefits
Scientific Coordinator Simona Regenspurg (GFZ) provided an overview of the current status of the project which is now entering into its final stage. CRM-geothermal has already produced a robust evidence base, as well as experimental results that support the technical feasibility and policy relevance of geothermal co-production.
The event also explored the strategic alignment between the CRM-geothermal project and the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which aims to secure Europe’s access to essential materials for renewable energy technologies, energy storage, and electrification.
As stated by MEP González Casares: “Adoption is only the first step – implementation is the real challenge. We must show that raw materials policy and green energy policy are two sides of the same European project: a project that delivers lower costs, stronger autonomy and a healthier planet.”
A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Pavlos Tyrologou (European Federation of Geologists), brought together key voices from policy, industry, research, and civil society, including:
- Christine Banken (European Commission DG Energy)
- Mark Harris (Cornish Lithium Plc)
- Simona Regenspurg (GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences)
- Kestutis Kupsys (European Economic and Social Committee (2020-25), consumer rights activist)
- Emily Ritchey (Transport & Environment, T&E)
Panellists underscored the potential of combining geothermal energy production with critical raw materials extraction to strengthen Europe’s clean energy value chains, foster regional development, and contribute to the EU’s broader decarbonisation agenda, while creating tangible benefits for citizens.
European Commission representative Christine Banken noted: “If we produce in Europe, we produce under very high environmental, social and governance standards – traceable and transparent. That is not a cost but a competitive advantage, and exactly the kind of technologies we want to support and scale up.”
The key event outcomes and resulting CRM-geothermal policy recommendations have been summarised in a high-level report (PDF).