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Powerful geothermal energy utilisation requires geoinformatic tools from potential surveying throughthe designing and setting of geothermal systems to certain operational tasks. However, practical dataprocessing strongly depends on the elaboration of basic data and information, the type of the geothermalenergy harvesting system and the character of the calculation demonstrated by case studies from EastHungary, in addition the usability of the resulted maps are also presented. Besides their usability forinvestors these maps could be refined in the location of the development before hydraulic/heat transportmodelling.

Commonly used host rock reservoirs for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are composed of granite, as they display highly conductive and sustainable fracture networks after stimulation. However, considering the large amount of metamorphic rocks in Europe's underground, these rock types may also show a large potential to extract geothermal energy from the subsurface. Within the framework of the European Union's Horizon 2020 initiative 'MEET (Multi-Sites EGS Demonstration)', we are conducting fracture permeability experiments at elevated confining pressures, pc, temperatures, T, and differential stresses, 𝜎, representing in situ conditions, to investigate the suitability of shale-type reservoir rocks for (unconventional) EGS. The investigated samples are prepared with a saw-cut of given roughness allowing to observe the evolution of fracture permeability with time under pre-defined pc-T conditions. The studied Wissenbach slates are of Variscan age and recovered from the 'Hahnenklee' drill site, which is located in the Harz mountains (GER). Microstructural observations using high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on polished thin sections in addition to Energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) reveal a fine grained, anisotropic slate matrix with a typical grain size of d ≤ 50 µm, mainly composed of mechanically weak phyllosilicates, intermediate strong carbonates and strong quartz minerals. He-pycnometry yielded average porosity values of 𝜙He = 1-2 %. Results of constant strain rate deformation experiments conducted at pc = 50 MPa, T = 100°C prior to fracture conductivity test displayed mainly brittle deformation behavior of the slate matrix with substantially higher strength if samples were loaded perpendicular to the visible bedding orientation rather than parallel to it. With increasing pc and 𝜎 (acting perpendicular to the fracture surfaces), fracture permeability, k, of saw-cut bearing sample assemblies is decreasing. The data suggest that k approaches a minimum value at high pc (> 45 MPa) and 𝜎 ...

Greece is gifted with geologic features that promote geothermal heat flow. Geothermal energy exploration began in the late 60s, culminating in the first geothermal energy law in 1984 and the introduction of geothermal energy as a mineral resource under the amendment of the Greek Mining Code. Since then, low- and high-temperature geothermal activities followed their separate ways, with a modest utilization of the energy product in the primary sector (agriculture, aquaculture) and attempts for electricity production stalled since the mid-1990s. The adoption of green policies by both the EU and Greece, the acceptance of global warming as an existing threat, the adhesion to CO2 reduction goals, energy efficiency and the application on renewable energy solutions as means to combat the increase in global temperature have led to an increasing interest in the utilization of the geothermal energy applications. This paper presents the new legal framework for geothermal energy established by Law 4602/2019, as introduced by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, Directorate-General for Mineral Raw Materials and discusses its scope and goals set by the implementation of its provisions. The paper offers a roadmap to successfully test those new policies and regulatory provisions and, finally, it maps the interfaces of stakeholders and geothermal industry in an attempt to highlight the steps of the necessary administrative procedures towards the facilitation of viable geothermal projects.

Understanding how the subsurface of Planet Earth works has been a long passionate interest and pursuit of the geologist community. Harnessing this interest and building upon the well-established geoscience knowledge base can unlock opportunities to make available geothermal heating and cooling resources that remain dormant in Northern Ireland (NI). Geothermal energy integration provides a low-carbon alternative to current fossil fuel-dominated energy sources. Building this sector will help contribute towards commitments to the net zero target and transition Northern Ireland towards a just energy future. This report focuses on the confidence-building actions needed to build the geothermal sector in NI. The report has consulted widely and therefore reflects the experiences of those leading out on, or working with, geothermal projects. Despite over forty years of geological evidence gathering; including well operations, sub surface data analysis and detailed geoscience report generation confirming favourable geological conditions for geothermal activity in Northern Ireland, along with over two decades of political discussion, the findings of this report show an absence of awareness and indeed visibility – showcasing – of the geothermal project activity on the ground. For both the journey to net zero by 2050 and growth of the geothermal market sector in NI to be a success, the challenge is as much a market behavioural breakthrough activity as it is a technological breakthrough activity. In markets further afield, geothermal technologies are a proven part of the LZC energy portfolio and solution mix. Therefore, the policy challenge is one of building confidence, shifting attitudes and establishing the link between its potential and the actual working of geothermal projects on the ground. It requires a portfolio-driven policy approach of the energy market. The geothermal sector in NI is presently in an early development niche phase. This report, therefore, invites the geothermal shaper community to build a niche ...

Colombia is a country with great potential for the exploitation of geothermal energy due to its high volcanic activity caused by the subduction between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates. However, this energy is yet to be exploited. This article seeks to describe, by means of a literature review and information processing, the current status of geothermal energy in Colombia, including the current regulations, the limitations, the recommendations to develop the geothermal energy, and some of the most important projects, studies, and research papers that have been emerged on the discovery, exploration, and exploitation of geothermal energy within the country, emphasizing the areas where exploration projects have been initiated, such as the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, the Tufiño–Chiles–Cerro Negro volcanic system, the Azufral volcano geothermal area, and the Paipa geothermal area. Over the years, energy vulnerability in Colombia and a government policy of fostering sustainable development in different territories have generated favorable conditions for the exploitation of geothermal resources. Nevertheless, there are several technical, infrastructural, legal, and institutional barriers that slow the proper development of these projects. ; Colombia es un país con gran potencial para la explotación de energía geotérmica, debido a su alta actividad volcánica generada por la subducción de la placa tectónica de Nazca bajo la placa sudamericana. A pesar de esto, en el territorio colombiano dicha energía todavía no se ha explotado. El artículo busca describir, mediante la revisión bibliográfica y el procesamiento de la información, el estado actual de la geotermia en Colombia, mencionando normatividad vigente, limitaciones, recomendaciones para el desarrollo de la energía geotérmica y algunos de los proyectos, estudios e investigaciones más importantes que se han dado sobre el reconocimiento, la exploración y explotación de la energía geotérmica en el país, haciendo hincapié en áreas donde ya se hayan iniciado proyectos de exploración, como el volcán nevado del Ruiz, el sistema volcánico Tufiño-Chiles-Cerro, el área geotérmica del volcán Azufral y el área geotérmica de Paipa. La vulnerabilidad energética en Colombia y la política de Estado de incentivar el desarrollo sostenible de los territorios han generado, a través de los años, condiciones favorables para la explotación de los recursos geotérmicos. Sin embargo, aún existen barreras técnicas, de infraestructura, legales e institucionales que ralentizan el funcionamiento adecuado de estos proyectos.

"Research funded by the Imperial Valley Environmental Project of the Environmental Sciences Division of Lawrence Livermore Laboratory." ; Chiefly tables. ; Bibliography: p. 35-36. ; Mode of access: Internet.

Although it is implicitly acknowledged that many aspects of contemporary geothermal energy utilization are shrouded in ignorance, this is rarely appreciated or in any way well communicated. Using Jules Verne's science fiction novel A Journey to the Center of the Earth as a means to highlight the inevitable normality of knowledge gaps and uncertainty, certain aspects are discussed that can be applied to communication strategies regarding the unknown in current geothermal energy utilization. This may be important given that risk assessments can often not be communicated meaningfully to citizens and decision makers.

Energy is one of the most important inputs that supports Indonesia's economy. The government utilises coal and oil as the main sources for power plants energy mix. However, the utilization of fossil fuel energy has been proven to pose negative impacts on the environment such as, increasing carbon dioxide emission which leads to global warming. This study analyses investment policy on increasing electricity production of geothermal power plants as well as substitution of fossil energy to geothermal energy using Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model and Indonesia's data of Social Accounting Matrix 2008. The result shows that when investment on the substitution of energy from fossil to renewable energy takes place, economic growth will increase and carbon dioxide emission will reduce significantly.

The demand for more intensive utilization of energy sources is getting more important with the forthcoming European Union membership of the Slovak Republic. Lack of resources and poor exploitaition of available resources can be a very difficult problem for energy policy. It is important to use technical solutions to minimize or eliminate this problem. The most beneficial progress could be achieved in the Košice basin where geothermal energy could have effective and multi-purpose use.

Of all possible forms of energy substitution of oil and gas, geothermal energy is the one most closely related to geology. Shallow geothermal energy is a source of clean, renewable and virtually inexhaustible energy that is directly related to geographical areas, where heat fluxes and temperature gradients can vary due to several factors. This document summarises the current situation of the policies on the use of shallow (low temperature) geothermal energy in Europe to generate hot water and air conditioning. The current status of legislation in some European countries and the promotion of shallow geothermal energy in the EU28 are also discussed.