| Title | Sustainable benefits of geothermal utilization |
|---|---|
| Authors | Valgardur Stefansson, Gudni Axelsson |
| Year | 2003 |
| Conference | International Geothermal Workshop, Russia |
| Keywords | Sustainable utilization, renewable energy source, definitions, reinjection |
| Abstract | Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that can be utilized in a sustainable way. The geothermal energy source is a dynamic feature within the crust of the Earth, which means that mining classifications like reserves, resources, and resource base are not applicable to geothermal energy. For each geothermal system and for each mode of production there exist a certain limit for sustainable production. Sustainable geothermal utilization involves energy production that can be maintained for a very long time. This requires efficient management in order to avoid overexploitation. Energy-efficient utilization, reinjection, as well as careful monitoring and modeling are essential ingredients in sustainable management. The limiting factors of the sustainable potential of a given geothermal resource are either the flow of energy or the flow of fluid to the geothermal reservoir. |