Risks and Barriers

SpringerBriefs in earth system sciences, pp. 75–85

Abstract

As every technical application, the exploitation of deep geothermal energy is associated with technical and non-technical risks, which we introduce together with mitigation strategies in this chapter. Major risks for geothermal projects are the high upfront costs, mainly for drilling, and the inevitable uncertainty of the subsurface conditions that may result in low heat extraction rates. In addition, lack of social acceptance and induced seismicity constitute risks that can lead to the termination of geothermal projects. Identifying and mitigating risks hence remain a key task for each phase of geothermal project development. In order to unify and simplify the process of risk identification and the definition of mitigation strategies, ongoing research focuses on the development of a specific risk register for deep geothermal projects. Reservoir stimulation is of paramount importance, especially for EGS projects, but at the same time the associated induced seismicity represents a major risk. Developing research therefore focuses on improving the process understanding of reservoir stimulation and developing improved stimulation techniques. Together with new monitoring strategies, this research aims to prevent strong seismic events caused by reservoir stimulation. Environmental impacts of geothermal heat use from deep reservoirs can be assessed by life-cycle assessment. One main source of emissions is, for example, the energy consumption of the drilling process. Recent developments towards a simplified life-cycle assessment tool will allow for a quicker, yet scientifically robust, evaluation of the environmental performance of deep geothermal energy plants.

Authors 3

1. Johanna Fink corresponding Aachen Institute for Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2. Elisa Heim Aachen Institute for Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

3. Norbert Klitzsch Aachen Institute for Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany