Geothermal Resources
Participation in Portuguese Geothermal Seminar of the University of Beira Interior | October 10-11, 2025
The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG) participated in the 2025 Geothermal Seminar | Portuguese Geothermal Seminar 2025, held by the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Covilhã, in an initiative celebrating 25 years of UBI’s activities in the field of geothermal energy.
The event, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DECA), the GeoBioTec Research Centre, and the Portuguese Commission on Environmental Geotechnics (CPGA) through its Working Group on Shallow Geothermal Energy (GTGS), brought together researchers, professionals, and public and private entities to discuss the role of geothermal energy in the national energy transition.
Representing the DGEG, Carla Lourenço, from the Directorate for Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources (DSRHG), participated in the opening session, where she highlighted DGEG’s commitment to promoting and advancing geothermal energy, aiming for a more sustainable and diversified energy future. She also presented the communication entitled “Geothermal Energy in Mainland Portugal and Its Legislative Framework”, as part of Session I: Geothermal Energy – Global and Conceptual Aspects. Her intervention emphasized the importance of regulatory and technical frameworks for the sustainable use of geothermal resources, underlining DGEG’s role in development and oversight of this strategic sector.
The seminar, which also included a technical visit and thematic sessions dedicated to emerging technologies and future challenges, will be complemented by the publication of a special book — in both print and e-book formats — with a foreword by José Alcântara da Cruz, from DSRHG of DGEG. The publication will be made available after the event, marking an important milestone in the dissemination of geothermal knowledge in mainland Portugal.
More information available at: https://www.ubi.pt/Entidade/geotermia2025
2nd Meeting of the Portuguese Commission on Environmental Geotechnics | September 26, 2025
The Portuguese Commission on Environmental Geotechnics (CPGA) held its 2nd Meeting on 26 September 2025, under the theme “More Sustainable Cities – From Needs to Requirements”, at the Auditorium of the Lisbon Urban Information Centre, in Picoas Plaza. The event brought together specialists and professionals from various fields to discuss challenges and solutions related to sustainable urban development.
Among the topics addressed were the growing housing needs, the costs and challenges associated with soil decontamination, the creation and use of geotechnical databases, and the role of shallow geothermal energy as an alternative energy resource.
Carla Lourenço, Director of the Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources Services, representing the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), delivered the presentation “Legal Framework and Strategic Plan for Geothermal Energy”, as part of Panel 2 | GT3 – Shallow Geothermal Energy. Her intervention focused on reflecting on the valorization of geothermal resources in mainland Portugal and their use as a renewable energy source, highlighting the importance of a robust legal framework and strategies to promote their implementation in urban contexts.
In addition to her technical presentation, Carla Lourenço participated in the Round Table: “Making Cities More Sustainable – Need or Requirement?”, which closed the event. This discussion brought together different perspectives on the paths to achieve more resilient, efficient, and balanced cities, emphasizing the urgency of sustainability in light of current social, economic, and environmental demands.
The 2nd CPGA Meeting proved to be a privileged space for the exchange of knowledge and the development of solutions aimed at fostering a more sustainable urban future in Portugal.
Technical Seminar on Geothermal Energy: A Bet on the Future | September 23, 2025
The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG) held, on 23 September 2025, the technical seminar “Geothermal Energy: A Bet on the Future”, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). The event, organized in partnership between the Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources Services (DSRHG) and the Communication, Conferences and Events Team (ECCE) of DGEG, brought together specialists, academics, technicians, companies, and professionals to discuss the potential of geothermal energy in Portugal’s energy transition.
The seminar began with the opening session, followed by the 1st panel, which addressed fundamental topics on geothermal energy, highlighting the presentations by Carla Lourenço (DGEG), with the talk “The Importance of Geothermal Energy | A Bet on the Future”, João Barbosa (ATP), and Pedro Cruz (Municipality of Monção). After this session, a coffee break, supported by Nutriva and Delta Cafés, provided moments of networking and exchange of experiences among the participants.
In the 2nd panel, concrete projects and best practices in the use of geothermal energy in mainland Portugal, a rapidly growing market, were presented. Emphasis was given to the Ombria Resort geothermal project, by Cláudio Correia (Viceroy Ombria Algarve) and Pedro Madureira (Synege), followed by the Nova IMS geothermal project, presented by Alexandra Coutinho, Carlos Campos, and João Sousa. The panel concluded with the presentation of the Geothermal Energy Strategy, by Carlota Duarte (DGEG).
The seminar concluded with a round table, composed of representatives of the Orders of Engineers, Technical Engineers, and Architects (João Sousa, Teresa Nogueira, and Marco da Silva), moderated by Carla Lourenço.
The event provided a relevant opportunity for technical and strategic debate, promoting interaction between the public sector, academia, and industry, and had the institutional support of Termas de Portugal, Água de Monfortinho, Nutriva, Delta Cafés, FEUP, OET, and OA, being considered a success by both participants and organizers.
Participação na Apresentação Pública da Carta Geotécnica de Lisboa | 18 de julho de 2025
Participation in the Public Presentation of the Lisbon Geotechnical Map | July, 18 2025
On July 18, 2025, the Directorate for Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources (DSRHG) took part in the Public Presentation of the Lisbon Geotechnical Map, held within the scope of the ReSist 2025 Conference. The event was promoted by the Lisbon City Council, through the Academia Urbanismo LX, with the support of the Department for Development and Training, and in partnership with the Portuguese Geotechnical Society and the Portuguese Commission for Environmental Geotechnics.
The session took place at Fórum Lisboa and included the participation of the Head of Division, Carla Lourenço, who spoke at the opening session on behalf of DGEG. In her address, she emphasized that the Lisbon Geotechnical Map is a key tool for more rigorous and sustainable urban development, as it allows the anticipation and mitigation of geotechnical and hydrogeological issues that often arise from a lack of knowledge about subsurface conditions.
She also highlighted the importance of having a thematic map dedicated to shallow geothermal energy, which is particularly relevant given the growing number of related projects underway in the Lisbon municipality. The initiative of the Lisbon City Council was duly acknowledged and commended by DSRHG.
Through this participation, DSRHG reaffirms its commitment to the production and dissemination of technical and scientific knowledge, actively contributing to territorial planning and enhancement.
📄 Access here the Geotechnical Map Platform.
Geothermal Energy Technical Seminar | March 27, 2025
The technical seminar Geothermal Energy – A Contribution to the Energy Transition, held at the IAPMEI auditorium, was a true success, bringing together 116 participants in a dynamic environment of knowledge sharing.
The event attracted a diverse and multidisciplinary audience, including representatives from academia (professors and students), technicians, engineers, and architects, reflecting the growing interest in this topic.
The programme started at 14:00 with registration, followed by the opening session by Paulo Carmona, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG). Throughout the afternoon, key topics were addressed, such as the origins of geothermal energy, presented by Carla Lourenço (DGEG); the importance of thermal response testing, by Pedro Madureira (GEOGRADIENTE); geothermal heat pump solutions, by Luís Coelho (Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal); a case study, by João Sousa (Order of Technical Engineers); the concept of “Net-Zero” in the energy transition, by Paulo Partidário (DGEG); and the strategic plan for geothermal energy, by Luís Duarte Silva (DGEG). Our sincere thanks go to all the speakers for their valuable technical and scientific contributions.
A carefully prepared coffee break provided an opportunity for informal networking and idea exchange among participants. The roundtable discussion, which included all the speakers and architect Marco Silva representing the Order of Architects, along with the closing session, marked the end of an inspiring and technically enriching day.
DGEG thanks all the attendees for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the seminar. Initiatives like this one are key to advancing this technology, which requires more support to grow and establish itself within the national energy context.
The speakers' presentations are available for those interested. You can access them through the following links:
– Carla Lourenço (DGEG): Geotermia - O que esteve na origem
– Pedro Madureira (GEOGRADIENTE): A importância da Realização de Testes de Resposta Térmica
– Luís Coelho (IPS): Bombas de calor geotérmicas, uma solução eficiente
– João Sousa (OET): Sistemas Geotérmicos, Aplicações em Edifícios e na Indústria e Critérios de dimensionamento
– Paulo Partidário (DGEG): A condição ‘Net-Zero’ na transição energética: O que significa?
– Luís Duarte Silva (DGEG): Plano Estratégico para a Geotermia
Strategic Plan for Geothermal Energy: A Step Towards the Energy Transition | February 17, 2025
The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG) presents a strategy for the development of shallow geothermal energy, aligned with the European and national climate goals set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC). Geothermal energy emerges as a sustainable solution for decarbonizing the economy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting energy efficiency in the residential, industrial, services, and agricultural sectors.
In 2020, a survey of the geothermal potential of natural mineral waters with temperatures above 25°C revealed that these resources remain underutilized. Optimizing their exploration and use could drive the energy transition, supporting applications such as heating, cooling, and the production of Domestic Hot Water (DHW).
To achieve this goal, the DGEG has developed a Strategic Plan for Shallow Geothermal Energy, defining actions that promote the sustainable utilization of this energy source. The document is now available for review and download, allowing all interested parties to access the guidelines for the development of shallow geothermal energy in mainland Portugal.
📄 Access here to the Strategic Plan for Shallow Geothermal Energy.
Participation in the Seminar “Geothermal Systems on an Urban Scale” | July 19, 2024
The DSRHG participated in the seminar "Geothermal Systems on an Urban Scale: From Strategic Planning to Execution," held at Fórum Lisboa on July 19, as part of the GeoSustained Project. This project focuses on assessing the sustainability of shallow geothermal systems for Lisbon and conducting studies on the thermal and thermo-mechanical behavior of the city's soils.
This awareness-raising initiative targeted involved entities, specialists, and the general public, featuring technical sessions addressing the energy needs of future cities, the City Climate Contract 2030, and the strategic planning and design of geothermal systems.
The program included presentations on low-enthalpy geothermal systems and the challenges of implementation, as well as the exploration and evaluation of geothermal resources. Discussions highlighted integrated solutions for building climate control aimed at carbon neutrality, and a case study was presented on the sustainability of geothermal systems in the Phoenix Building, covering architectural and engineering aspects.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, featuring Carla Lourenço and other specialists, leaving the impression that this project will continue to advance.
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2022 Participation in the workshop of Project GeoSustained - Surface Geothermal Energy: perspectives of application in an urban context in Lisbon| december 6, 2022 | Oral presentation by Carla Lourenço: Geothermal Resources Strategy and Potencial Use |
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2021 Participation in the ceremony of signature of the consignation of the work for the geothermal exploitation in São Pedro do Sul | April 22, 2021 | Promotion of geothermal energy in São Pedro do Sul Thermal Spa. |
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2019 Geothermal Seminar | organized by FEUP, Porto| September 30 and October 1, 2019 - presentation "Geothermal Resources - strategy and legislation" by Carla Lourenço.
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2019 VIII Jornadas APG - The new energy paradigm: Introduction to surface geothermal systems | FCUL, Lisbon | February 20 and 21, 2019 - presentation Surface Geothermal Resources - strategy and draft legislation by Carla Lourenço. |
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2017 International Geothermal Seminar | S. Pedro do Sul | December 13, 2017 - presentation Geothermal Potential in Continental Portugal by Teresa Arriaga e Cunha and José Alcântara Cruz. |
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