Azores Greet GEO Forum: Strengthening Interregional Cooperation for Geothermal Development in EU Outermost Regions

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Date & Location: 16th September, 2026, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal


Background:

This forum, hosted by INOVA Institute in partnership with La Palma Research Centre (LPRC) and Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP) within the framework of the EU-funded Greet GEO project (I3 Programme, Grant Agreement nº 101180405), aims to showcase practical insights, technical advances, and strategic pathways for accelerating geothermal energy deployment across European regions.

A comprehensive review of intersectoral and interregional experiences will be presented, drawing on technical case studies and regional assessments, from de-risking deep geothermal investments in Croatia and shallow geothermal applications for heating and cooling in Canary Islands, to operational district heating networks such as São Pedro do Sul (Mainland Portugal).

Despite its vast potential, geothermal energy as a whole remains underutilized across many European regions, namely in EU outermost regions. The forum addresses this gap by presenting first results on the Report on Geothermal Investment Opportunities in the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands, to identify investment-oriented approaches, policy frameworks, and market barriers.

The event emphasizes cross-sectoral synergies, regulatory harmonization, and supply chain innovation to foster decarbonization and regional energy independence. To demonstrate sustainable island applications, participants are invited to join a technical field visit to INOVA’s experimental greenhouses, the Ribeira Grande geothermal field and power plants, the Caldeira Velha thermal area, and the Fogo Volcano caldera.

Purpose:

The Azores Greet GEO Forum aims to strengthen interregional value chains, innovation ecosystems, and policy frameworks to accelerate deep and shallow geothermal deployment. By fostering direct collaboration between EU outermost regions (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands) and continental partners, the event addresses market and regulatory barriers to facilitate investment. Ultimately, it empowers regional stakeholders, policy-makers, and SMEs to actively engage in sustainable, scalable geothermal energy ecosystems.

Azores Greet GEO Forum: Strengthening Interregional Cooperation for Geothermal Development in EU Outermost Regions

Draft Agenda

Date: 16th September 2026

Location: INOVA Institute, ENTA Auditorium, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores

Morning Program – From Geothermal Potential to Deployment

09:00 – 09:30Welcome and Registration
09:30 – 11:00Session 1- Interregional Perspectives and Technical Insights
09:30 – 09:50 Geothermal Development in Croatia: History, Legislation and Ongoing Projects – Željka Sladović (GeoDa Consulting d.o.o./ HUGE)  
09:50 – 10:10Advancing Deep Geothermal in the Canary Islands – Speaker to be confirmed
10:10 – 10:30The São Pedro do Sul (Portugal Mainland) Geothermal District Heating Network – Kevin Castro Cañon (University of Beira Interior)
10:30 – 10:50Shallow Geothermal for Heating & Cooling: Canary Islands Experiences – Speaker to be confirmed
10:50 – 11:15Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:30Session 2- Panel Discussion: Business, Policy, Investment and Market Barriers
11:15 – 11:30 11:30 – 12:30Introduction: “Report on Geothermal Investment Opportunities in the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands: First Results”, by Fundo de Maneio (Azores) Panel Discussion with experts from GreetGEO partners and European Union OMR (Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands) Audience Q&A
13:00 – 15:00Geothermal Lunch (free): Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande fumarolic field – Traditional Azorean geothermal stew / “Cozido”

Afternoon Program – Geothermal Field Trip

15:00 – 19:00Field Visit: INOVA Institute greenhouses, Ribeira Grande geothermal field and powerplants, Caldeira Velha thermal area and Fogo Volcano caldera and lake.