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Geothermal heat pumps and the vagaries of subterranean geology: Energy independence at a household level as a real world experiment

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  • Bleicher, Alena
  • Gross, Matthias

Abstract

Geothermal heating is often perceived as an almost ideal sustainable energy source and as one that provides its users with a means of potentially heating their homes independently from established energy suppliers. However, our research in Germany also shows that the implementation of geothermal energy technology has triggered uncertainties regarding environmental impacts and its general technical feasibility also beyond the household level. Unlike traditional heating systems, geothermal technology forms a tightly coupled relationship with the complex environmental system of subsurface. Our analyses show that decentralized renewable energy sources are not “ready-made” but need to be adapted to the specific situation. Questions often emerge in situ when new facilities are installed or are already in use. The paper discusses some of the strategies actors have developed in the course of interactions between nature, culture, and technology to enable them to cope experimentally with unforeseen risks. We suggest that the way geothermal energy use is organized can serve as a typical example of coping with uncertainties in ongoing energy transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Bleicher, Alena & Gross, Matthias, 2016. "Geothermal heat pumps and the vagaries of subterranean geology: Energy independence at a household level as a real world experiment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 279-288.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:64:y:2016:i:c:p:279-288
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.06.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Melikoglu, Mehmet, 2017. "Geothermal energy in Turkey and around the World: A review of the literature and an analysis based on Turkey's Vision 2023 energy targets," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 485-492.
    2. Bleicher, Alena & David, Martin & Rutjes, Henriette & Wallkamm, Magdalena, 2017. "Rohstoffgewinnung und Technologieentwicklung in Deutschland im Wandel: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven," UFZ Reports 05/2017, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ).
    3. McClean, A. & Pedersen, O.W., 2023. "The role of regulation in geothermal energy in the UK," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    4. Singh Gaur, Ankita & Fitiwi, Desta & Curtis, John, 2019. "Heat pumps and their role in decarbonising heating Sector: a comprehensive review," Papers WP627, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    5. Sonnberger, Marco & Gross, Matthias, 2018. "Rebound Effects in Practice: An Invitation to Consider Rebound From a Practice Theory Perspective," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 14-21.
    6. Khan, Firoz & Al-Ahmed, Amir & Al-Sulaiman, Fahad A., 2021. "Critical analysis of the limitations and validity of the assumptions with the analytical methods commonly used to determine the photovoltaic cell parameters," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    7. Hecher, Maria & Hatzl, Stefanie & Knoeri, Christof & Posch, Alfred, 2017. "The trigger matters: The decision-making process for heating systems in the residential building sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 288-306.
    8. Astudillo, Miguel F. & Vaillancourt, Kathleen & Pineau, Pierre-Olivier & Amor, Ben, 2017. "Can the household sector reduce global warming mitigation costs? sensitivity to key parameters in a TIMES techno-economic energy model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 486-498.
    9. Cui, Yuanlong & Zhu, Jie & Twaha, Ssennoga & Riffat, Saffa, 2018. "A comprehensive review on 2D and 3D models of vertical ground heat exchangers," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 84-114.

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