| Title | Regionalized LCA of Geothermal Power: Dataset Gaps and Development Needs in Indonesia and New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gloria Gladis Sondakh, Bart van Campen, John O’Sullivan |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Accurate environmental assessment of geothermal power systems requires region and field specific data that reflect local geological, technological, and operational contexts. This study investigates the differences in existing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) datasets for geothermal power plants in Indonesia and New Zealand—two leading geothermal producers with over 1 GW of installed capacity. Using the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, the research analyzes the extent to which publicly available datasets support reliable LCA results, revealing substantial regional disparities in data quality, availability, and scope. The findings highlight critical data gaps in Indonesia’s and New Zealand's geothermal sector, particularly in upstream processes such as drilling and construction, and limited emission inventories compared to the more established datasets available for other countries. These inconsistencies significantly affect the validity and comparability of LCA outcomes, potentially leading to under- or overestimated environmental impacts. To address this, the study proposes the development of tailored LCA inventories that reflect each country’s geothermal characteristics and infrastructure practices. By demonstrating how dataset quality directly influences the robustness of LCA results, this provides a foundation for creating more accurate, regionally grounded environmental assessments. The outcomes aim to inform policymakers, researchers, and investors about the need for localized LCA databases to support sustainable geothermal development. Ultimately, the study advances methodological rigor and contributes to more credible, data-driven decisions in the geothermal energy sector. |