Apply for a Geothermal Licence

Geothermal energy extracted under a license granted pursuant to the Danish Subsoil Act must be connected to a district heating system. A geothermal license is relevant for wells deeper than 250 meters.

Updated Invitation for Applications

The Danish Energy Agency has updated the Invitation for Applications for Geothermal Licenses. The updated invitation applies to all applications submitted after 27 June 2023.

The 2023 version includes four key changes:

1. The invitation has been aligned with the current legal framework.

2. Requirements for the work program have been updated.

3. Application content requirements have been clarified.

4. Additional documentation requirements have been introduced.

The purpose of these changes is to support quicker case processing and to encourage applicants to prepare as best as they can before they apply.

Licenses can only be granted for geothermal energy intended for district heating supply.

How to Apply

A geothermal license grants exclusive rights to explore and produce geothermal energy within a defined area for district heating purposes. Each license includes specific terms and obligations towards the Danish state.

Applications must be sent to ens@ens.dk

or by post to:

Danish Energy Agency
Att.: Center for geoenergy and storage
Carsten Niebuhrs Gade 43
DK-1577 Copenhagen V

Detailed information on requirements, areas, and conditions is available in the Invitation for Applications.

Invitation for Applications – Exploration and Production of Geothermal Energy for District Heating Supply (2023 version)

Applications may be submitted twice a year:

1 February and 1 September

The offered area covers all of Denmark, except areas already covered by an existing license or by an application currently under review.

See the map of geothermal licenses and section 3.3 in the Invitation for Applications for further details.

Please note that other planned subsurface uses, such as CO₂ storage, may affect the availability of areas for geothermal exploration.

Information on such areas can be obtained by contacting the Danish Energy Agency directly.
For more details on CO₂ storage projects, see: Licenses for Exploration and Storage of CO₂ and Environmental hearings.

A license initially includes a six-year exploration period during which the license holder (licensee) must carry out a work program.

The work program is typically divided into phases, each with specific obligations, e.g. acquiring new seismic data or drilling a well.

If the licensee decides to develop a geothermal plant based on the results, the license may be extended for up to 30 years.

The Model License outlines the detailed terms and includes a model work program.

Under section 14 of the Model License, the Danish Energy Agency may require the licensee to provide financial security for all obligations, e.g. a parent company guarantee.

Model License

Model Guarantee

In December 2012, the Danish Energy Agency published a plan forming the basis for future offerings of areas for geothermal exploration and production, both for district heating and other uses (e.g. greenhouses, spas, electricity generation, etc.).

Plan for Offered Areas for Geothermal Exploration and Production

Annex 1: Environmental Assessment

Annex 2: Nature Impact Assessment

Summary Report

Apply for a Geothermal Licence

Updated Invitation for Applications

How to Apply

Where to Apply

Application Deadlines

Important Information about Geothermal Licenses

Plan for Offered Areas