Neither risky technology nor renewable electricity: Contested frames in the development of geothermal energy in Germany

Abstract

Deep geothermal energy can be used to generate electric power and is seen as a promising source of renewable energy. However, geothermal technology is also controversial. Existing studies on public responses to geothermal energy focus on the question of support for the technology, and on the identification of reasons and arguments that cause opposition.In this article, we will shed light on the different responses to innovative geothermal energy technologies at the local level. We rely on the assumption that these responses are rendered visible through different framings of the technology. We conducted four focus groups in two German communities with a total of 27 participants. Our case study approach reveals the diversity of local understandings of geothermal energy, which differ within and between communities. Our analysis shows that local actors do not primarily frame deep geothermal energy as a renewable energy. Instead, they tend to see it as an emerging technology that still requires further development, or view it in terms of its possible environmental impact. We argue that by taking into consideration the diversity of frames, it is possible to gain a better understanding of potential controversies regarding the technology, and to develop deep geothermal energy projects in a way that aligns with the needs of local actors.