Main Risks Related to Deep Geothermal Energy in the World

Abstract

Deep geothermal energy is a renewable energy that is about to develop strongly in the coming decades, particularly in France. However, like any industrial activity, it carries risks for people and the environment. An appropriate management of these risks is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of this sector. Based on an international review of incidents and accidents, we present the risks and impacts that may be inferred by this industry as they are currently known. The main feared events are analysed in order to understand their causes and consequences. The goal is to achieve a comparative assessment of the risks linked with this activity. Finally, we focus on some of the recent events that have affected deep geothermal development and led to serious accidents, associated with H2S emissions and induced or triggered seismicity. Regarding seismicity, a comparison is performed with other activities that can be observed in other “geo-industrial” sectors (hydrocarbon extraction, large-scale water extraction, filling of large dams, digging of large underground structures, mining and post-mining industries, etc.). It can be seen that deep geothermal energy is responsible for fewer earthquakes and, when it is the case, ones of a smaller magnitude compared to these geo-industries.