Induced vibrations during a geothermal project and acceptability, how to avoid divorce?

Abstract

Deep geothermal projects using the EGS method (“Enhanced Geothermal System”) can induce during their life cycle small disturbance for local residents, as can be generated by any project of this type.
To ensure the acceptability of geothermal projects, it is strongly required to measure and to control these different types of vibrations. Ideally, they must remain not felt by the local population.
With experience gathered thanks to the three main geothermal projects in Alsace (Soultz-sous-Forêts, Rittershoffen-ECOGI and more recently Illkirch-Graffenstaden) “Électricité de Strasbourg” acquired a strong expertise in order to minimize the impact of geothermal project on the neighbourhood quality of life. In this paper we will discuss specific vibrational impact that may occur during different phases of a geothermal project by using datasets collected in the geothermal projects from Northern Alsace.