Geothermal energy: a simple solution for making urban heat more sustainable

Geothermal energy: a simple solution for making urban heat more sustainable

My list

Author | Jaime RamosThe production and management of energy in cities is one of the most important aspects in the context of sustainable development. We can safely say that the industrial development of previous centuries was not forged on a firm basis of energy efficiency. It is now that we are facing the dilemmas regarding how we will be able to respond to increasing urban energy demands.Buildings, the most significant and iconic features of any city, are literally devouring urban energy. In the European Union, 40% of energy consumption (and 36% of carbon dioxide emissions) come from basic services including heating, cooling and hot water in buildings. This is why the energy sector is constantly looking for alternatives to alleviate this consumption, with smarter buildings and sources of energy.

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energyWe must remember that 81% of that energy comes from coal and oil combustion. One of the solutions gaining popularity with institutions is geothermal energy. The technology associated with this renewable source of energy production seeks to use the Earth’s internal heat to replace fossil fuels.European legislation in Directive 2009/28/EC offers us the best and simplest of definitions:

Geothermal energy means energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of solid earth.

It involves using the flow of heat that exists within the earth’s crust. There are three systems: using hot springs, dry springs or even geysers. Depending on the location, more or less energy can be obtained. The geology offered by countries such as Iceland, Italy or New Zealand makes them ideal for installing geothermal plants.

The most natural form of heating

However, not all the regions of the world have a suitable terrain. This means the amount of energy that could be obtained from the soil would not be sufficient to offer competitive market prices. However, geothermal energy has an ace under the earth. It does not have to be used for large-scale energy production; there are techniques to apply it “solely” to heat buildings.There is no need to have one’s own volcanic region to do so. Low-enthalpy geothermal energy can be found in a whole host of areas at a depth of around 500 metres. Binary cycle systems that enable this heat to be used could save us up to 70% on our bills, not just our heating bills but our cooling bills too. The United States currently has 18 urban systems based on geothermal energy.

A complicated challenge, but with plenty of benefits

Geothermal energyThe challenge these systems are facing is closely related to their integration in the structure of urban energy flows. In any event, geothermal facilities are becoming increasingly popular with the authorities. The promising consortium GeoTech is testament to this. There are also examples in cities that are trying to change the way they produce energy. 98% of the energy that heats Copenhagen is from waste, with the same commitment, but a different methodology, to the system they are attempting to apply in China.Although it is not so well known, another city, New York, has a giant network of steam pipes that heats its core. This supplies around 1,700 establishments and households and explains the traditional plumes of steam rising from the streets of New York. These urban methods prove that the change towards geothermal energy could play an essential part in the sustainability of smarter cities.Images | iStock/Alvaro Tejero, iStock/Andres VictoreromiStock/A stockphoto

Related content

Recommended profiles for you

FM
Fernando Mezquita
BFOR
Project engineer in charge of preparing proposals for air and water quality projects
TR
Thomas Reukauf
Habbel ug
Partner
CG
Cisco Galceran
Repunt
I am looking for new features for our machines. and also new business areas
JG
Juan Carlos González Palacio
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Catedratico, Director de proyectos de grado.
NK
Nitesh Kukreja
Chandrapur envirocare and organics pvt ltd
Responsible for market development and studying new potential technologies
CC
Carlos Carrasco
Smartdots
Co-Founder
RV
Radek Valášek
VUT Fakulta stavební
Student
MM
María del Mar Martínez Cerro
UCLM
Ayudante investigación
PJ
Paul Jüngst
Trianel GmbH
Head of Trendscouting
JM
JOSE MARIA MOLINA SAORIN
AYUNTAMIENTO DE ABARAN
ENGINEER CHIEF
RR
Romulus Radu
SC IMSAT CUADRIPOL SA
Technical department, including design, bidding, execution, commissioning, maintenance
OK
Omkar Kharade
Omkar Sales
Student
SV
saurabh varma
recktronic devices and systems
Search, locate and evaluate new technology and applicability to the Indian sub continent markets
EB
Eddie BET-HAZAVDI
SigmaSmart Consultancy
CO
CC
Carlos J Castano
Surtigas
Operations Manager
VT
Viviana Tabares
INTERABASTOS International Business
Director
AS
Ana Simon
ACCIO
Deputy Director International Innovation and Disruption
BD
Bianca Dragomir
Clusters of Change
CEO
EG
ENRIQUE GARCIA ZERMENO
URBALAB
CEO
CH
Cristian Hernández López
Universidad de Sevilla
Student