Howis evaluated acceptability of an EGS project in Europe: the Soultz-Kutzenhausen geothermal project?

Abstract

An opinion survey about acceptability of Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) has been carried out in connection with the geothermal power plant of Soultzsous- Forêts (Alsace, France). More than 200 individual interviews were conducted in summer 2012 with a representative sampling of the local population of the neighbouring villages of Kutzenhausen and Soultz-sous-Forêts. A questionnaire was presented in order to test the sensibility of the local population about this rather new technology. More than 200 adults fulfilled the questionnaire and detailed answers were collected and analysed. The biggest causes of nuisance are the noise generated by the technical equipment of the power plant and induced seismicity. Thus, geothermal energy is felt like a rather favourable technology by the local population, even if there are always some reluctant people. In conclusion, the risks related to the geothermal exploitation are rather accepted as a whole.