IGC Invest in Frankfurt to highlight financial opportunities for renewable infrastructure

The International Geothermal Investment Conference (IGC Invest) in Frankfurt, Germany (source: Enerchange)

Carlo Cariaga 20 May 2024

The heat transition is a challenge for many district heating networks all over Europe. However, in combination with a baseload technology matching ESG criteria, it provides a major opportunity for infrastructure investors.

The Investment in Geothermal Conference (IGC Invest), to be held on 25-26 June 2024 in Frankfurt (Main), Germany, will highlight these topics and bring together experts, investors, and policymakers. Here examples will show chances and opportunities and discuss strategies for overcoming financing challenges for infrastructure energy projects. The event provides insights about municipal projects but also explores the EU taxonomy and implications, shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure finance.

Within the renewable energy sector, geothermal energy stands stands alone as sustainable solution with an enormous potential to meet a significant proportion of our global energy needs. However, unlike more established renewables such as wind and solar, baseload geothermal energy requires considerable upfront investment due to the need for exploration, drilling and infrastructure development. As a result, financing plays a crucial role in taking geothermal projects from concept to operation.

To address the investment in the geothermal sector, the fifth edition of the International Geothermal Investment Conference (IGC Invest) will be held in Frankfurt (Main), Germany on 25-26 June 2024, and is supported by Hogan Lovells. As a financial hub, Frankfurt provides an ideal setting for industry experts, investors, and policymakers to discuss strategies for overcoming financing challenges and advancing geothermal projects worldwide.

Programme

Besides a general introduction workshop on geothermal energy for non-experts, the conference programme on June 25 will include speakers showcasing current geothermal projects by municipal utilities, providing valuable insights into practical applications and successes in the field. In addition, a dedicated session will explore models of collaboration between energy suppliers like the EnBW and further companies, fostering dialogue on effective partnerships and synergies within the industry.

On 26 June, the focus will shift to key issues such as the impact of the EU taxonomy on the financing of geothermal projects, ensuring alignment with sustainability criteria. Discussions will also address the bankability of geothermal projects and explore risk mitigation schemes to increase investor confidence in geothermal projects. Here, Eavor, Munich Re, and the
Swiss Department for Energy and the French Geothermal Association will speak about their models.

The conference will place particular emphasis on the EU taxonomy and its implications for the geothermal sector, recognising its pivotal role in shaping sustainable finance practices. The EU taxonomy aligns with ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles by providing a standardised framework for assessing the sustainability of economic activities, including those in the energy sector and geothermal projects. It categorises activities based on their environmental, social and governance performance, enabling investors to identify and invest in projects that meet ESG criteria.

To take part in the conference you can register here. There are still limited spots available.