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Environmental Issues Related to Deep Geothermal Systems

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Geothermal Energy

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The conversion of geothermal energy into electrical power or useful heat produces no CO2 and no flue gas emissions such as soot particles, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The operation of a geothermal power plant is deeply friendly to the environment. The risk for harmful environmental effects is extremely low during normal operation and even during accidents. The low-risk systems result from the use of high-quality structural materials and from the mature technology with numerous safety precaution installations.

Construction of geothermal systems and power plants causes CO2 emissions related to manufacturing construction materials, transport of materials and equipment and service traffic, no different as with construction of other types of power plants. Careful planning of logistics helps to minimize these emissions.

Developing the underground heat exchanger of an enhanced geothermal system involves hydraulic stimulation measures that cause minor seismicity. Rarely the induced seismicity can cause irritation if physically sensed at the surface.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geo- and Environmental Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

    Ingrid Stober & Kurt Bucher

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  1. Ingrid Stober
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Correspondence to Ingrid Stober .

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Stober, I., Bucher, K. (2021). Environmental Issues Related to Deep Geothermal Systems. In: Geothermal Energy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71685-1_11

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