GEOTHERMAL SUSTAINABLE ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL

GEOTHERMAL PROJECT ASSESSMENT

GSAP

The Geothermal Sustainability Assessment Protocol (GSAP) is a
framework designed to evaluate and ensure the sustainability of
geothermal energy projects. Developed as part of efforts to promote best practices in the geothermal industry, the GSAP provides a comprehensive set of criteria and guidelines to assess the environmental, social, economic, and technical aspects of geothermal projects throughout their lifecycle.

KEY COMPONENTS

01

Sustainability Dimensions

  • The GSAP focuses on multiple dimensions of sustainability, ensuring that geothermal projects are not only technically and economically feasible but also environmentally sound and socially responsible.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Assessing impacts on ecosystems, water resources, land use, and emissions.
  • Social Sustainability: Considering the effects on local communities, including aspects like job creation, health and safety, and cultural heritage.
  • Economic Sustainability: Evaluating the financial viability and long-term economic benefits of the geothermal project.
  • Technical Sustainability: Ensuring that the technology used is appropriate, reliable, and efficient for the project’s context.

02

Lifecycle Approach

  • GSAP applies a lifecycle approach, assessing sustainability from the exploration and development phases through to operation and decommissioning. This ensures that sustainability is considered at every stage of the project.

03

Assessment Criteria

  • The protocol provides detailed criteria and indicators for assessing different aspects of geothermal projects. These criteria are designed to be comprehensive and adaptable to different project scales and regional contexts.

04

Stakeholder Involvement

  • A key aspect of GSAP is the involvement of stakeholders in the assessment process. This includes local communities, government bodies, investors, and other relevant parties. Their input helps ensure that the project meets local needs and standards while maintaining transparency.

06

Reporting and Certification

  • Projects assessed using the GSAP can receive certifications or ratings that reflect their sustainability credentials. This can be important for gaining social license to operate, attracting investment, and meeting regulatory requirements.

05

Benchmarking and Improvement

  • GSAP allows for benchmarking against best practices in the geothermal industry. It encourages continuous improvement by identifying areas where projects can enhance their sustainability performance.

IMPORTANCE OF THE GSAP

The GSAP is important for promoting sustainable development in the geothermal sector. It helps ensure that geothermal energy projects
contribute positively to the environment and society, while also being economically viable. By providing a standardized framework for
sustainability assessment, the GSAP facilitates the responsible development of geothermal resources, helping to mitigate potential
negative impacts and maximize benefits.
The GSAP is aligned with broader global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a
crucial tool for integrating geothermal energy into a sustainable energy future.