University of Twente Student Theses
The role of geothermal energy in the Dutch energy transition
Juhász, Tilla (2019) The role of geothermal energy in the Dutch energy transition.
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| Abstract: | The increasing global energy demands from society and the rapidly exhausting fossil fuel resources coupled with environmental obstacles require sustainable resource utilization. The transition from the fossil fuel-based to a green, sustainable or ‘zero-carbon’ energy sector is one of the greatest and most difficult task of the twenty-first century. Geothermal energy has the potential to become a key player in the decarbonization of the energy system. It can provide base-load energy as it offers a sustainable alternative for electricity generation, space heating, and industrial applications. The geothermal energy profile in the Netherlands has seen a rapid expansion in recent years. The Dutch government set a goal of reducing the country’s CO2 emissions with 49% by 2030 and targeting carbon-neutrality in 2050. The high geothermal potential of the Dutch subsurface would allow to upscale the role of geothermal energy in the energy mix, which could contribute to achieving the aforementioned national objective. However, several complicating factors must be taken into account, such as infrastructure requirements, investment costs, subsurface conditions, societal and governmental support. The potential locations and technologies of electricity generation and heat extraction are investigated as well as the barriers of implementation. The current condition of geothermal energy development is discussed including future prospects and action plans, with the question of whether the currently implemented policies and incentives are sufficient to further encourage the development of geothermal energy. A comprehensive review of a potential pilot case located in Leeuwarden is described, with project background information, financial and technological aspects, and stakeholder analysis. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 43 environmental science, 70 social sciences in general |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/79549 |
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