Social Acceptance of Geothermal Energy Through Tourism and Balneology: A Comparison of Hungary, Australia and the U.S. (Colorado)

Abstract

It is well known that Hungary, Australia and Colorado all have excellent geothermal potential. In Hungary, the most important tourist attractions are geothermal spas. Thermal water is widely used not just for well-being, but for medical treatments as well. These thermal waters are highly appreciated by the entire nation. Although Australia certainly has solar collectors and spas, most Australians know little about balneology and the health aspect of thermal waters. In Colorado, by contrast, hot springs are a thriving part of the state's tourism industry, although less important to the average Coloradan. Our article aims to show how geothermal energy usage became part of Hungarians' everyday life and part of their culture. In the process, we would like to show how social acceptance of geothermal is based on its direct use and accessibility. These considerations may also shed some light on how geothermal use could be encouraged in Australia and further developed in Colorado. Whatever each country's state of geothermal development, every country has something to learn from the other two.