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Environmental advantages to the utilization of geothermal energy

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  • Brophy, Paul

Abstract

Geothermal energy is a technically-proven, cost effective source of electrical and thermal energy that has been utilized for many decades. Recent estimates indicate that over 6700 MWe (megawatts electrical) and 8200 MWt (megawatts thermal) are currently developed throughout the world. This paper discusses the specific environmental advantages to the development of geothermal electrical power and direct use projects and demonstrates how environmental impacts can be easily mitigated using existing technologies. In the areas of CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions, land disturbance per MWe and disposal of waste products, geothermal energy has significantly fewer impacts than most other energy sources, particularly conventional fossil and nuclear fuels. Examples are sited where geothermal developments have occurred in pristine areas with no significant impacts and even offering the opportunity for improving environmental conditions. There is a strong need for energy policy makers throughout the world to recognize the environmental advantages of geothermal energy and to incorporate their economic value when pricing and selecting new sources of energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Brophy, Paul, 1997. "Environmental advantages to the utilization of geothermal energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 10(2), pages 367-377.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:10:y:1997:i:2:p:367-377
    DOI: 10.1016/0960-1481(96)00094-8
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sebestyén, Viktor, 2021. "Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews: Environmental impact networks of renewable energy power plants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    2. Phillips, Jason, 2010. "Evaluating the level and nature of sustainable development for a geothermal power plant," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(8), pages 2414-2425, October.
    3. Kose, Ramazan, 2007. "Geothermal energy potential for power generation in Turkey: A case study in Simav, Kutahya," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 497-511, April.
    4. Horner, Robert M. & Clark, Corrie E., 2013. "Characterizing variability and reducing uncertainty in estimates of solar land use energy intensity," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 23(C), pages 129-137.
    5. Soyhan, Hakan S., 2009. "Sustainable energy production and consumption in Turkey: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(6-7), pages 1350-1360, August.
    6. Pérez-Denicia, Eduardo & Fernández-Luqueño, Fabián & Vilariño-Ayala, Darnes & Manuel Montaño-Zetina, Luis & Alfonso Maldonado-López, Luis, 2017. "Renewable energy sources for electricity generation in Mexico: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 597-613.
    7. Köse, Ramazan, 2005. "Research on the generation of electricity from the geothermal resources in Simav region, Turkey," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 67-79.
    8. Bayer, Peter & Rybach, Ladislaus & Blum, Philipp & Brauchler, Ralf, 2013. "Review on life cycle environmental effects of geothermal power generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 446-463.
    9. Cook, David & Davíðsdóttir, Brynhildur & Malinauskaite, Laura, 2020. "A cascade model and initial exploration of co-production processes underpinning the ecosystem services of geothermal areas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 917-927.
    10. Hastik, Richard & Basso, Stefano & Geitner, Clemens & Haida, Christin & Poljanec, Aleš & Portaccio, Alessia & Vrščaj, Borut & Walzer, Chris, 2015. "Renewable energies and ecosystem service impacts," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 608-623.
    11. Bertermann, D. & Klug, H. & Morper-Busch, L., 2015. "A pan-European planning basis for estimating the very shallow geothermal energy potentials," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 335-347.

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