Abstract
In this study the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Rittershoffen geothermal plant in France – an operating EGS (Enhanced Geothermal System) project developed in the Upper Rhine Valley are analysed and quantified. In this study a similar analysis for the forthcoming EGS in Illkirch Graffenstaden (Strasbourg) is also presented. Life cycle inventory is constructed based on a real project. Five different scenarios comprising a heat plant, power plants and cogeneration plants are developed respecting LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). Contribution of each phase and material type towards GHG emissions is studied using hot spot analysis. In this study some site-specific approaches to potentially reduce of GHG emissions are also assessed. This study is a useful reference towards LCA studies of EGS as it analyses the first EGS utilization for industrial heat.
Highlights
IntroductionDespite having comparatively higher efficiency and stability, the growth of power supplied by geothermal sources has been surpassed by that of wind and solar power
In this study the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Rittershoffen geothermal plant in France – an operating engineered geothermal system’ (EGS) (Enhanced Geothermal System) project developed in the Upper Rhine Valley are analysed and quantified
The Rittershoffen geothermal plant was awarded a concession of 25 years up to 2040
Summary
Despite having comparatively higher efficiency and stability, the growth of power supplied by geothermal sources has been surpassed by that of wind and solar power. Solar PV is the leader in renewable energy growth with a growth rate above 200% since 2010, while the growth of geothermal utilization remains below 20%, seeming to be the least competitive form of renewable energy (Fig. 1). The innovations in deep geothermal technology in Europe, where geothermal reservoirs are mostly of low or medium enthalpy, has enabled a more efficient utilization of geothermal resources to fulfil the renewable energy demand in this region. One of these innovations is called EGS. The currently used term ‘enhanced or engineered geothermal system’ (EGS) has its roots in the early 1970s when a team from Los Alamos National Laboratories began the Hot Dry Rock (HDR) project at Fenton Hill, USA (Breede et al, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
