Danube GeoHeCo Deployment desk meetings – Advancing Geothermal Innovation in the Danube Region

The deployment desks took place on April 26, 2025, and May 22, 2025, at the research facility in Lowergetikum, Austria. This building is heated and cooled by a ground source heat pump.

In combination with a workshop on refrigeration technology for companies, the event was split into two sessions to facilitate technical discussions and to accommodate the limited space of the training lab, which is designed for smaller groups. The participants of the Danube GeoHeCo project met in Pinkafeld, Burgenland, Austria.

During the workshop, the installation of the heat pump system was visited. As an important project partner, representatives from Landesholding Burgenland, the University of Applied Sciences, GETEC, and other SMEs were present, alongside Forschung Burgenland as the host. The aim of the deployment desk meetings was to discuss the implementation of a platform to promote hybrid heating and cooling systems using shallow geothermal energy in the Danube region. The focus was on the opportunities and challenges of technology, as well as the involvement of relevant market players.

During the Deployment desk meetings, several important supply- and demand-side challenges were identified and discussed in detail.

On the supply side, the main challenges include high upfront investment and installation costs, as well as the technical complexity involved in designing boreholes and overall system layouts. Participants also highlighted the limited availability of specialized equipment and experienced drilling teams, along with difficulties in obtaining accurate geological data. Additionally, the permitting process was recognized as a major barrier due to its length and lack of consistency across different jurisdictions.

On the demand side, key barriers include the substantial initial costs required from homeowners and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The lack of reliable performance data and practical guidance further hinders decision-making. Low consumer awareness about the benefits of geothermal systems, concerns regarding return on investment (ROI) and payback periods, and the shortage of certified contractors and service providers were also noted as significant obstacles to wider adoption.

These meetings contributed to a deeper understanding of geothermal heating and cooling systems and helped strengthen cooperation among project partners in the Danube region.