Focus on Projects and Collaborations
The first day of the IGC Invest Geothermal conference begins even before the official event kicks off with an exclusive roundtable discussion on deep geothermal energy, reserved exclusively for representatives of municipal utilities, to exchange views on opportunities, challenges, and collaborative approaches. Following a welcome address by Dr. Jochen Schneider, Managing Director of Enerchange GmbH and organizer of the industry gathering, the event’s first forum will commence. This forum will focus on financing heat procurement, a key component for the successful expansion of geothermal projects. The discussion will center on how municipal utilities can develop viable models for the joint implementation of district heating solutions through cooperation. The second forum is dedicated to projects in the development phase. Municipal utilities will report on ongoing projects and provide insights for all stakeholders currently involved in project development or planning to enter the field. The first day of the conference will conclude with an icebreaker on the 44th floor of the Omniturm, offering participants the opportunity to network, deepen existing connections, and initiate new collaborations in a relaxed atmosphere.
Focus on Financing and Funding
On the second day of IGC Invest Geothermal, the focus shifts further toward financing. The first forum examines the financing of geothermal projects and addresses key topics such as building growing geothermal portfolios and innovative approaches to accelerating the heat transition through “Heat as a Service.” The second session of the day is devoted entirely to funding mechanisms. Key topics include BEW funding for feasibility studies, geothermal resource insurance, and their legal classification. This is complemented by insights from North Rhine-Westphalia regarding the NRW Geothermal Master Plan and its funding.
The event brings together stakeholders from the heating supply, financing, and political sectors who are actively shaping the heat transition and wish to economically tap into the potential of deep geothermal energy.