Decision Environment of Renewable Energy: The Case of Geothermal Energy

Abstract

AbstractThe exploitation of low temperature geothermal energy (LTGE) for thermoregulation is an expanding activity with various applications. The production of LTGE, although it is an efficient process, it has a cost benefit varying from one site to another depending, but not only, of natural factors. For local administrations and for those who invest in the provision of energy services, a regional model of the distribution of the LTGE resource is necessary for planning production, incentives, and investment. Also, the factors that influence the cost benefit of the resource must be studied in the spatial dimension. The construction of spatial models is a process requiring the acquisition of large amounts of data, the use of computer technology, and a substantial process design effort. In this chapter, the emphasis is placed on the support of Geographic Information System (GIS) in spatial modeling of LTGE cost benefit. The techniques for collecting spatial data on a large geographic scale are introduced. The technical and organizational aspects discussed delineate an information environment aimed to providing decision support in the regional development of LTGE.KeywordsGeographic Information SystemRenewable EnergyHeat PumpThermal InertiaGreen EconomyThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.