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Geothermal Industry Environmental Impact Analysis

This study delves into the environmental impact of geothermal industry operations, focusing on geothermal heat pumps and hydrothermal systems. It covers CO2 emissions reduction, fluid chemistry, and measures to mitigate adverse effects such as soil subsidence and heat pollution.

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Geothermal Industry Environmental Impact Analysis

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  1. The Environmental Impact of Geothermal Industry by D. Mendrinos and Dr. C. Karytsas Centre for Renewable Energy Sources February 2006

  2. Geothermal Energy= the heat of the earth • Shallow (Geothermal Heat Pumps) • Hydrothermal Systems • Low Enthalpy • High Enthalpy • Enhanced Geothermal Systems

  3. Geothermal Heat Pumps • COP = Heat Delivered / Electricity = 4 - 6 • CO2 emissions reduction: • ~ 40% vs Air-Source-Heat Pumps • ~ 45% vs Natural Gas • ~ 50% vs Diesel Oil • Adverse Impact: Refrigerant Leaks

  4. Low Enthalpy Hydrothermal Fields • emissions reduction: CO2, CO, C, SOx, NOx • CO2 rich geothermal fluids in Nigrita:  1/15 – 1/20 CO2 of fossil fuels • Measures: uses in cascade • Fluid Chemistry: Cl-, B, As, NH4+, Hg, Metals • Solution: reinjection • Water level drop in shallow aquifers • Solution: reinjection

  5. High Enthalpy Hydrothermal Fields • Separated brine: as in low enthalpy • Steam: H2S, silica • Solution: eliminate steam losses except safety valves … • non condensable gasses  cooling tower • Last option: H2S treatment plant

  6. Steam: CO2

  7. Steam: CO2

  8. Steam: CO2

  9. Steam: CO2

  10. Steam: CO2

  11. Steam: CO2

  12. Steam: CO2

  13. Measures • Increase conversion efficiency 1% efficiency rise  5% CO2 / kWh less • Geothermal cogeneration of heat & power in cascade  40% CO2 / kWh less waste heat use  80% CO2 / kWh less

  14. Other Impact • Micro-seismic activity action: monitor • Soil subsidence action: plant design, monitor topography • Noise action: plant design, noise barriers

  15. Other Impact • Damage to local flora action: no hot brine/steam on plants • Aesthetics action: plant design • Heat Pollution action: reinjection, waste heat use

  16. Enhanced Geothermal Systems • 100% CO2 emissions reduction • No adverse environmental impact • When linked to hydrothermal systems • Heat Pollution • Micro-seismic activity

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