Germany's Federal Ministry for Economy and Energy (BMWE) has introduced a draft law aimed at accelerating the expansion of geothermal plants, large-scale heat pumps, heat storage facilities, and district heating pipelines (GeoBG). The primary objective of this legislation is to eliminate licensing obstacles associated with the development of geothermal energy and the large-scale deployment of heat pumps, particularly those utilizing water from lakes and rivers, wastewater, unavoidable waste heat, or even air.

The draft law also establishes easements for heat storage and heating pipelines. This GeoBG implements the mandate from the coalition agreement to introduce an enhanced geothermal energy acceleration law as soon as possible. Simultaneously, it incorporates the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) into national legislation.

According to governmental information, the law aims to significantly expedite procedures, thereby alleviating burdens for businesses and industries. Similar to wind turbines and photovoltaic systems, geothermal energy production facilities, heat pumps, and heat storage systems are also considered of overriding public interest.

Urban heating pipelines are also of great importance, alongside heat generation and storage. To this end, the approval and construction of pipelines transporting heat from the generator to the end consumer will also be expedited.

To accelerate the process, it is essential to simplify the certification standards for geothermal systems, heat pumps such as those using river or wastewater, as well as heat pipelines and heat storage systems.
thinkgeoenergy.com

The draft law is a legal instrument that anticipates modifications to mining, water, and environmental legislation. Similar to wind turbines and photovoltaic systems, it also prioritizes geothermal energy production, heat pumps, and heat storage systems.

Furthermore, it provides clarifications on nature conservation legislation and establishes provisions regarding the impact of seismic exploration on species protection. This will enable authorities to determine exploration seasons more quickly and easily, minimizing restrictions to the necessary minimum.

If enacted into law, for the first time, the approval and construction of urban heating pipelines will be expedited when planning approval is required. Instruments similar to those already used for gas and hydrogen pipelines will be applied. Therefore, heat transportation will be accelerated at the same pace as other energy supply lines. With the introduction of maximum deadlines for approval procedures in mining legislation, the responsible authority must decide on approval within one year.

Mining authorities have the option to waive the requirement for an operational plan, even for larger-scale heat generation projects, under certain conditions. Mining authorities must adhere to response deadlines when notifying drilling operations.

The coalition agreement also stipulates that claims for damages related to geothermal energy must be fully insured. Therefore, the draft law contemplates that mining authorities have the option to require geothermal companies to provide guarantees for mining-related damages.

The role of project manager is being introduced into water legislation. This function supports and relieves competent authorities in the process without making decisions independently. Project managers are already established in other licensing procedures, such as the Federal Emission Control Act.

In the approval process, requirements for complete digitalization and verification of document integrity must be observed. Simultaneously, the draft law aims to ambitiously implement the deadlines of the amended Renewable Energy Directive (RED-III) in mining and water legislation.