CRM-geothermal Conference ‘Navigating the Energy Transition’ at the European Parliament

Date: 20 November 2025, 12:00–13:30

Format: In-person, European Parliament
Spotlight: Research and innovation breakthroughs from CRM-geothermal (https://crm-geothermal.eu)
Audience: Policymakers, industry and research experts, civil society, and local and regional stakeholders in energy transition, affordable energy access, and sustainable resource extraction

CONTEXT:
The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), adopted in 2024, plays a crucial role in enabling Europe’s clean energy transition and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By securing access to strategic raw materials, the Act underpins renewable energy deployment, energy storage, and affordable electrification for households and businesses. Yet, implementation faces significant challenges: institutional, socio-economic, and environmental. Beyond derisking supply chains, public trust and affordability of energy access emerge as decisive. Local communities often see extractive projects as conflicting with their well-being, while many Europeans struggle with high energy bills. A fair transition requires policies that link raw material extraction directly to a clean, affordable energy supply and ensure that the economic and social benefits are widely shared. This session will examine how innovations at the intersection of raw materials and renewable energy production, such as CRM extraction from geothermal fluids, can strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, reduce costs for households, and safeguard Europe’s natural capital. It will also explore novel social and business models that can distribute benefits fairly, increasing public acceptance and ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition.

REGISTRATION:

https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/crm-geothermal-ep

Agenda:

12:00 – 12:05
Welcome: MEP Nicolás González Casares – S&D

12:05 – 12:20
Keynote (TBC): MEP Davor Ivo Stier – EPP 

12:20 – 12:35
Keynote Presentation:
“Critical Raw Materials and Renewable Energy: Building the Foundations for Affordable Clean Power in Europe”
Simona Regenspurg – GFZ Helmholtz-Centre for Geosciences

12:35 – 13:20
Panel Discussion: Harnessing Innovation to Secure Raw Materials and Power the Energy Transition
This discussion will explore how integrating CRM extraction with renewable energy production can strengthen Europe’s clean energy capacity, enhance supply security, and lower costs—while ensuring that the CRMA’s implementation remains fair and inclusive.

Panellists:

Christine Banken, European Commission, DG Energy

Mark Harris, Cornish Lithium

Simona Regenspurg, GFZ Helmholtz-Centre for Geosciences

Kestutis Kupsys, European Economic and Social Committee (2020-25), consumer rights activist

Emily Ritchey, Transport & Environment (T&E)

Panel moderator: Pavlos Tyrologou, European Federation of Geologists 

13:20 – 13:30
Closing Remarks: MEP Nicolás González Casares
“Making the Energy Transition Affordable and Inclusive for All Europeans”

Event moderation: Katrin Kieling, GFZ Helmholtz-Centre for Geosciences