EFG is involved in a new endeavour: The Horizon Europe-funded CRM-geothermal project is developing an innovative technology solution which combines the extraction of critical raw materials and energy from geothermal fluids.
The energy and digital transitions require a large amount of mineral raw materials, some of which are considered ‘critical’ by the European Union. These Critical Raw Materials (CRM) are predominantly imported from non-European countries where environmental and ethical standards may be less strict than in the EU. However, the EU has largely untapped resources at its disposal in geothermal fluids, some of which contain significant amounts of CRMs.
The EU-funded CRM-geothermal project therefore proposes to combine the extraction of mineral raw materials and geothermal heat, a renewable energy resource from the ground that is available 24 hours per day. The technology solution developed by CRM-geothermal will thus help Europe fulfil the strategic objectives of the EU Green Deal and the Agenda for Sustainable Development while reducing dependency on imported CRM.
EFG is leading the project’s communication, dissemination and exploitation activities. Some of our National Associations also participate as Affiliated Entities.
Read more in the project’s first press-release.
