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Evaluating the Technical and Environmental Capabilities of Geothermal Systems through Life Cycle Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Milousi

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

  • Athanasios Pappas

    (School of Production Engineering & Management, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece)

  • Andreas P. Vouros

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Peloponnese, 26334 Patras, Greece)

  • Giouli Mihalakakou

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece)

  • Manolis Souliotis

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

  • Spiros Papaefthimiou

    (School of Production Engineering & Management, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece)

Abstract

In these days of heightened environmental consciousness, many countries are shifting their focus towards renewable energy sources for both large-scale uses (such as power plants that generate electricity) and smaller-scale applications (e.g., building heating and cooling). In this light, it is not surprising that there is a growing interest in technologies that are reliant on non-conventional sources of power, such as geothermal energy. This study is making an effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of the possible advantages and multiple uses of geothermal energy systems, in the context of their technical and environmental evaluation through Life Cycle Assessment. A brief description of the analyzing methods and the tools used to study a particular system or application is presented. The geothermal technologies and the applications of specific systems are discussed in detail, providing their environmental advantages and their technical barriers as well. District and domestic heating systems cover a significant fraction of the geothermal energy potential. The majority of the discussed studies cover the electricity production as the most important application of geothermal energy. The overall conclusion of the current work is that geothermal energy is an extremely viable alternative that, combined with other renewable energy systems, may mitigate the negative effects of the existing energy mix worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Milousi & Athanasios Pappas & Andreas P. Vouros & Giouli Mihalakakou & Manolis Souliotis & Spiros Papaefthimiou, 2022. "Evaluating the Technical and Environmental Capabilities of Geothermal Systems through Life Cycle Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-30, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:15:p:5673-:d:880502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sagar Shelare & Ravinder Kumar & Trupti Gajbhiye & Sumit Kanchan, 2023. "Role of Geothermal Energy in Sustainable Water Desalination—A Review on Current Status, Parameters, and Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-22, March.
    2. Viktoria Mannheim & Károly Nehéz & Salman Brbhan & Péter Bencs, 2023. "Primary Energy Resources and Environmental Impacts of Various Heating Systems Based on Life Cycle Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Maione, A. & Massarotti, N. & Santagata, R. & Ulgiati, S. & Vanoli, L., 2023. "Integrated environmental accounting of a geothermal grid," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    4. Maryori Díaz-Ramírez & Snorri Jokull & Claudio Zuffi & María Dolores Mainar-Toledo & Giampaolo Manfrida, 2023. "Environmental Assessment of Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant based on Exergy Allocation Factors for Heat and Electricity Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-17, April.
    5. Mahmoud G. Hemeida & Ashraf M. Hemeida & Tomonobu Senjyu & Dina Osheba, 2022. "Renewable Energy Resources Technologies and Life Cycle Assessment: Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-36, December.
    6. Carlos Lorente Rubio & Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz & Juan Carlos Sáenz-Diez Muro & Eduardo Martínez-Cámara & Agostino Bruzzone & Julio Blanco-Fernández, 2022. "Environmental Impact Comparison of Geothermal Alternatives for Conventional Boiler Replacement," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-15, November.

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