Status of Geothermal Energy in Denmark

The Danish Energy Agency has issued a general status report on geothermal energy in Denmark.

Currently, there are five permits for the exploration and extraction of geothermal energy for district heating, as well as two geothermal plants. The permits are either in the initial exploration phase or the extended phase for extraction.

Applications for new permits can be submitted twice a year, on September 1st and February 1st. The Danish Energy Agency most recently received two applications on September 1, 2025, while a third application from September 1, 2024, is currently under review.

The picture painted is rather discouraging. Progress in existing licenses is very slow and often hampered by technical or economic challenges. Licenses are regularly returned without achieving significant results. In the green transition, geothermal energy seems to be somewhat neglected. There are no signs that the authorities plan to make significant changes.

While a few years ago there were several operational plants, the Danish Energy Agency must now acknowledge that only the Thisted plant, which is also the oldest, is in operation.

The government has announced that in 2026 it will present “a status on the development of geothermal energy,” which the market and politicians can then await, but currently, there is little indication that we will see any significant growth in geothermal development and production in Denmark within a reasonable time.

The Danish Energy Agency’s 2025 status can be seen here.

Since 2012, SAAF has advised on geothermal projects and the legal requirements for exploration and production for district heating purposes, and we closely monitor developments in geothermal energy.