Europe has entered the next phase of its climate strategy.
The European Commission has proposed an amendment to the European Climate Law that would set a new milestone: a 90 percent net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared with 1990 levels. The proposal, guided by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change marks a shift from long-term aspiration to near-term delivery.
If approved, this target will shape Europe’s next two decades of energy investment. It moves the focus from what must happen by mid-century to what must happen now.
Progress will depend on how effectively Europe can use the infrastructure and knowledge it already holds, especially below ground. The subsurface, once associated only with hydrocarbons, is becoming a foundation for clean energy, carbon storage and hydrogen systems. This is where policy ambition meets practical innovation.
Why the Subsurface Matters Now
A large part of the 2040 pathway lies underground. Geothermal resources can deliver dependable heat and power. Depleted reservoirs and saline aquifers can store carbon dioxide for decades. Underground formations also offer safe seasonal storage for hydrogen. Each of these solutions draws on existing expertise rather than requiring new industries to be built from scratch.
Europe has an advantage. The continent holds vast datasets, mature supply chains and a workforce with deep geological knowledge. With the right technology, that capability can be redirected toward energy recovery, storage and conversion. This is where Geo-Engines helps operators turn geological potential into measurable performance gains.
Innovation at Depth
Geo-Engines focuses on converting high-pressure, high-temperature gas streams into electricity directly at the point of production. Capturing that waste heat creates a steady power source and reduces dependence on diesel or fragile grid connections. Once captured, that energy can support a range of decarbonisation activities:
- CO₂ capture and injection, where reliable electricity and precise control are essential.
- Hydrogen production, including electrolysis that benefits from continuous baseload input.
- On-site utilities, keeping essential systems running without extra fuel logistics.
- Heat reuse, where stable temperature supply improves process efficiency.
Across Europe, similar applications are gathering pace. Industrial clusters are developing closed-loop heat systems. Offshore wells and pipelines are being repurposed for storage and power integration. The principle is straightforward: extract more value from the energy and infrastructure that already exist.
From Targets to Deployment
Policy creates intent; projects deliver results. Meeting the 2040 milestones will require faster commissioning and wider replication of proven systems. That means converting pilot data into investment cases and moving modular technologies into everyday operations.
Thermal energy recovery is a strong starting point. It cuts waste, stabilises operations and improves site resilience. Capturing heat that would otherwise be vented or flared lowers emissions and reduces energy costs. It also establishes the foundation for later integration with CO₂ or hydrogen systems.
Geo-Engines’ approach is designed for this environment. Our modules link directly into existing infrastructure and convert waste heat into electricity at source. This shortens project timelines, minimises civil work and supports future transitions such as geothermal or storage development.
Turning Policy into Projects
A practical route begins with a site that handles hot, high-pressure gas streams. Install modular units to convert that thermal energy into power for on-site loads. The new electricity stabilises operations, displaces diesel and provides a live dataset on performance.
From there, new opportunities open naturally. A site can connect process heat to a local network or trial small-scale hydrogen production. If the geology allows, it can move to CO₂ injection, using the same power backbone for compressors and monitoring systems.
Each step stands on its own merits yet builds toward a cleaner and more efficient facility. The result is steady decarbonisation without disruption.
Building Momentum for 2040
The 2040 deadline is closer than it feels. The technology is proven and the data needed for deployment is already available. What matters now is alignment between policy and investment and a faster path from pilot to operation.
Subsurface systems will be central to that shift. They provide dependable energy, store key resources such as carbon and hydrogen and strengthen regional energy security. Reusing existing infrastructure also shortens development timelines and lowers cost, helping Europe scale clean energy faster.
Geo-Engines is built for this phase of the transition. We work with operators to recover thermal energy and convert it into power that supports new clean-energy systems. The outcome is measurable progress toward Europe’s 2040 climate goals and a stronger foundation for long-term energy resilience.
If you are assessing a site with high-pressure or high-temperature streams, or planning a route toward CO₂ or hydrogen deployment, get in touch. Our team can review your data and outline a practical, scalable plan that fits within the EU’s 2040 framework.
