The Danish Energy Agency is today opening the way for applications for permits to be applied for again for the exploration and extraction of geothermal energy. The first deadline for applications is 1 November 2023.
The tender provides the opportunity to apply for a permit for the exploration and extraction of geothermal energy. The permits are granted in relation to geothermal projects, which plan to utilize geothermal energy from boreholes deeper than 250 meters. The geothermal permits are granted on the basis of the applicant's financial and technical competences as well as the quality and scope of the applicant's work programme.
With the new tender, the Danish Energy Agency updates the requirements for documentation. Likewise, the obligations in the work program are tightened, so that applicants are expected to a greater extent than previously to have explored the possibilities for extracting and selling geothermal energy. The framework for the tender is published on the Danish Energy Agency's website Application for a geothermal license | The Danish Energy Agency (ens.dk) .
Application
The next deadline for sending an application for a geothermal license to the Danish Energy Agency is 1 November 2023 at 12.00. Applications are submitted per e-mail to ens@ens.dk . After prior agreement, applications can be sent physically to the Danish Energy Agency, Carsten Niebuhrs Gade 43, 1577 Copenhagen V.
After this, permission for exploration and extraction of geothermal energy can be applied for by two annual application deadlines, respectively. on 1 February and 1 September.
See more at Apply for a geothermal permit | The Danish Energy Agency (ens.dk) , where i.a. the letter of invitation and the model permit incl. the model work programme, which i.a. containing details and requirements for the application, is available.
The supply area
It is possible to apply for a geothermal permit throughout Denmark, however, with the exception of areas that are either already covered by a geothermal permit or where a geothermal permit has been applied for. The map below shows which areas are covered by an application or an existing geothermal permit and who is the applicant or holder of the permit in question.
Facts about geothermal energy
• In Denmark, geothermal energy is found as warm saline water in the underground, which can be used for district heating. The heat is utilized with the help of heat exchangers and heat pumps, before the cooled water is pumped back into the underground.
• There are currently three geothermal plants in Denmark, respectively in Thisted, Sønderborg and at Amager in Copenhagen. The annual heat production from the plant in Thisted corresponds to the consumption of almost 2,000 households.
• The other geothermal permits are in the initial investigation phase, where it is investigated whether there is an opportunity to utilize geothermal energy for joint district heating supply.
• A geothermite permit has recently been announced in the Viborg area.
• If an area is fully or partially returned to the state, the area is released, and the area will then again be included in the tender area. The current tender area can be seen at Geothermal permits | The Danish Energy Agency (ens.dk) .
