Renewable energy
Geothermal: the complete guide for sustainable heating
Harness the Earth's energy to heat your home. Discover geothermal, its advantages, costs and available subsidies in Belgium.
· 12 min read · VCN Energy
Geothermal: harnessing the Earth's energy
Geothermal energy involves extracting the heat naturally present in the ground to heat (or cool) a building. Combined with a heat pump, this technology offers one of the most efficient and sustainable heating systems available.
How does geothermal work?
The principle is based on a constant: at a few meters depth, the soil temperature remains stable throughout the year, between 10 and 15°C in Belgium. This free and renewable heat is captured by a heat transfer fluid circulating in buried tubes.
Types of geothermal collectors
Horizontal collectors
Tubes are buried at shallow depth (60 to 120 cm) over a large area.
Vertical collectors (geothermal probes)
Boreholes of 50 to 150 meters deep allow probes to be installed.
Advantages of geothermal
- 70 to 80% savings on heating bills
- Energy independence
- Heating AND cooling possible
- Exceptional durability (50+ years for collectors)
Subsidies in Belgium
October 2026 update: in Wallonia, the Habitation grants may apply (check conditions and amounts on the day itself at energie.wallonie.be); in Brussels, RENOLUTION grants have been suspended since early 2025.
Conclusion
Geothermal represents the most sustainable and profitable investment for your heating.
Contact VCN Energy at 010 80 20 92 for a free feasibility study.