Environmental and Social Dimensions of Energy Transformation Using Geothermal Energy

The use of geothermal energy is gaining strategic importance in the context of sustainable development and the decarbonisation of local energy systems. As a stable and low-emission renewable energy source, geothermal energy offers tangible environmental and social benefits, including improved air qu...

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Published inEnergies (Basel) Vol. 18; no. 13; p. 3565
Main Authors Kaczmarczyk, Michał, Sowiżdżał, Anna
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.07.2025
Subjects
Air pollution
Air quality
Air quality management
Alternative energy sources
Analysis
Carbon dioxide
Climate change
Consumption
Emissions
Energy industry
Energy resources
energy transition
Force and energy
Fossil fuels
geothermal energy
Geothermal power
Greenhouse gases
Heat
Industrial plant emissions
life cycle assessment (LCA)
Nuclear energy
Nuclear power plants
Pollutants
Renewable resources
Sustainable development
Water
water footprint
Poland
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ISSN1996-1073
1996-1073
DOI10.3390/en18133565

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Summary:The use of geothermal energy is gaining strategic importance in the context of sustainable development and the decarbonisation of local energy systems. As a stable and low-emission renewable energy source, geothermal energy offers tangible environmental and social benefits, including improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced energy independence. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the social dimensions of geothermal energy deployment in Poland, with a particular focus on environmental impacts, public acceptance, and participatory governance. Based on a Polish geothermal district heating system example, the paper demonstrates that geothermal projects can significantly reduce local pollution and support low-carbon economic transitions. The study includes a comparative assessment of avoided emissions, a critical discussion of potential social barriers, and SWOT and PESTEL analyses identifying systemic enablers and constraints. The authors argue that for geothermal energy to fulfil its sustainability potential, it must be supported by inclusive planning, transparent communication, and a holistic policy framework integrating environmental, technological, and social criteria.
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ISSN:1996-1073
1996-1073
DOI:10.3390/en18133565