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Life Cycle and Water Footprint Assessment in the Geothermal Energy Sector

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  • Michał Kaczmarczyk

    (Department of Energy Resources, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Anna Sowiżdżał

    (Department of Energy Resources, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Barbara Tomaszewska

    (Department of Energy Resources, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

The transformation of energy systems toward renewable energy sources necessitates a responsible approach to understanding and mitigating their impact on the natural environment. While previous research has primarily focused on operational aspects, a more holistic approach—such as life cycle assessment (LCA)—is crucial, as it encompasses energy installations’ production, operation, and disposal phases. This review article aims to fill this gap by comprehensively analysing the geothermal energy sector, covering electricity generation, central heating, and hot water preparation. This study emphasises the need for rigorous life cycle and water footprint assessments to understand geothermal systems’ sustainability better. Key conclusions are drawn from an extensive literature review, highlighting the sector’s challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, this article identifies innovations and research directions essential for advancing geothermal energy as an integral component of the renewable energy industry, underscoring its potential to contribute to global sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Michał Kaczmarczyk & Anna Sowiżdżał & Barbara Tomaszewska, 2024. "Life Cycle and Water Footprint Assessment in the Geothermal Energy Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:23:p:6050-:d:1534695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gkousis, Spiros & Thomassen, Gwenny & Welkenhuysen, Kris & Compernolle, Tine, 2022. "Dynamic life cycle assessment of geothermal heat production from medium enthalpy hydrothermal resources," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    2. Buonocore, Elvira & Vanoli, Laura & Carotenuto, Alberto & Ulgiati, Sergio, 2015. "Integrating life cycle assessment and emergy synthesis for the evaluation of a dry steam geothermal power plant in Italy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 476-487.
    3. Magdalena Strojny & Paweł Gładysz & Trond Andresen & Leszek Pająk & Magdalena Starczewska & Anna Sowiżdżał, 2024. "Environmental Impact of Enhanced Geothermal Systems with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Polish and Norwegian Cases," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-16, April.
    4. Jessica Maria Chicco & Giuseppe Mandrone, 2022. "Modelling the Energy Production of a Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-18, December.
    5. Lacirignola, Martino & Blanc, Isabelle, 2013. "Environmental analysis of practical design options for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) through life-cycle assessment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 901-914.
    6. Oliver-Solà, Jordi & Gabarrell, Xavier & Rieradevall, Joan, 2009. "Environmental impacts of the infrastructure for district heating in urban neighbourhoods," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(11), pages 4711-4719, November.
    7. Pehnt, Martin, 2006. "Dynamic life cycle assessment (LCA) of renewable energy technologies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 55-71.
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