Limburg, Netherlands signs LOI for further geothermal energy research
Grubbenvorst, Limburg, Netherlands (source: LJanssen, CC BY-SA 4.0 
Carlo Cariaga
5 Jun 2026
Geothermal heating has been discontinued in Limburg, Netherlands years ago, but a joint research project aims to validate geothermal's safety and feasibility.
The Province of Limburg, in the far southeast of the Netherlands, has signed a letter of intent with several project partners to conduct further research into geothermal energy. The first step for this collaborative work will be to determine if a geothermal energy research facility in Grubbenvorst, in the municipality of Horst aan de Maas) is feasible.
The LOI was signed between the Province of Limburg, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, and Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN). The parties have been collaborating for some time on the preparation of the research program. The decision on whether a research facility can be realized in Grubbenvorst is expected to be made by the end of 2026.
Geothermal energy for heating had already been use in Limburg several years ago, specifically in the horticultural area of Californië. However, the occurrence of minor earthquakes in 2018 resulted in the halting of its operations for more than 2 years. In 2022, the decision was made by the Department of Economic Affairs and Climate to discontinue the operations of the facility.
With this renewed effort, the parties involved would like to evaluate if Limburg can make use of geothermal heat safely. If the project proves necessary as well as feasible, the facility in Grubbenvorst will be used to conduct research into what happens when geothermal heat is extracted from fractured rock at depths of 2 to 3 kilometers. The goal is to provide a framework for geothermal heat to contribute to the energy and heat supply for residents, businesses, and agriculture and horticulture in Limburg, without any safety concerns.
“Limburg needs sustainable energy. That is why we are investing in knowledge first. Careful research must provide more clarity regarding the possibilities of geothermal energy in the fractured subsurface,” said Provincial Executive member Jasper Kuntzelaers.
“We see what is currently happening in the energy market, for example with the price of oil. That is precisely why it is important to investigate whether we can safely and responsibly utilize geothermal heat from our own Limburg subsurface. If it proves feasible, we will provide our residents with heat. And we will help our greenhouse horticulture sector,” further added Kuntzelaers.
“At present, greenhouses are an important supplier of energy and heat to the grid, especially when there is no wind or sun. But the growers, too, need to move away from natural gas. If geothermal heat becomes available, they can continue to produce healthy and affordable food and share their sustainable residual heat. ”
Source: Provincie Limburg
