Even though geothermal heat is a promising source to enrich and contribute to the renewable energy mix, it is not risk-free. The question therefore is: what makes a geothermal project successful? Exactly this question was tackled by the DESTRESS side event in Offenburg, taking place on 2 March 2018. Not-surprisingly, the around 30 participants learned that it is a difficult question to answer. To run a successful project, one needs to consider many factors including geological investigations, seismic monitoring, technological aspects and public involvement. The five speakers, international experts currently engaged in geothermal projects or research, offered  best practices obtained from scientific analysis and practical case studies on how to take into account the challenges related to geothermal exploration. Their main consensus was: geothermal heat extraction is so multifaceted, that cooperation across institutions and boarders is essential. Only through the exchange of experiences, data and know-how a project can be successful.

One means to support the exchange of experiences is the DESTRESS collection of best practice reports available on our website, another our stakeholder network.

Presentations

Find below some presentations given during the side event.

Justyna Ellis
Brief overview of DESTRESS and its partners as well as introduction of the workshop participants

Stefan Wiemer, SED
Seismic monitoring: why and how

Olivier Ejderyan, ETH Zurich
Public acceptance: no success without public involvement

Hans Veldkamp, TNO
Case study Westland, Netherlands: status, insights, lessons learned

Michel Meyer, SIG
Case study Geneva, Switzerland: project status, insights, lessons learned