OMV Halts Graz Geothermal Project: What It Means for Renewable Energy By: Robert Buluma OMV cancels its deep geothermal project for Graz district heating, highlighting the risks and lessons for renewable energy projects. Discover what this means for future geothermal initiatives. OMV’s OMV’s Surprising Stop on Graz Geothermal Project Austria’s ambitious geothermal project aimed at supplying half of Graz’s district heating has been abruptly canceled. Initially envisioned as a major step in decarbonizing the city’s heating network, the project faced delays and contractual disagreements that ultimately led OMV to halt the initiative. The decision has sent ripples through the Austrian energy sector, raising questions about governance, risk, and renewable energy planning. The Significance of the Project The canceled geothermal initiative was valued at nearly €0.5 billion and had the potential to transform Graz’s energy landscape. Currently, the city relies on a small fraction ...
Doğal Hayat Geothermal plans to drill an exploration well in Yeşilyurt, Ayvacık, Türkiye, to assess local geothermal potential for sustainable agriculture and tourism. By: Robert Buluma The project’s main goal is to evaluate the local geothermal potential and explore sustainable uses for agriculture and tourism. The plan includes drilling an exploration well (YO‑01) on parcel 160, block 7, within the company’s geothermal licence area (access number 3248844). The site spans roughly 9,000 m² of privately owned land, strategically chosen for its geothermal potential. Because the land is classified as an olive grove, all operations will comply with Turkey’s Olive Tree Law (No. 3573) and Soil Protection and Land Use Law (No. 5403). The regulatory authority has determined that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/ÇED) is not required at this stage. If geothermal resources are confirmed, Doğal Hayat Geothermal plans to develop tourism and agricultural applications, including thermal to...