scholarly journals Keeping warm: a review of deep geothermal potential of the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 232 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG Gluyas ◽  
CA Adams ◽  
JP Busby ◽  
J Craig ◽  
C Hirst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
The Uk

In 2015, the primary energy demand in the UK was 202.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe = 848 EJ). Of this, about 58 mtoe (2.43 EJ) was used for space heating. Almost all of this heat was from burning fossil fuels either directly (50% of all gas used is for domestic purposes) or indirectly for power generation. Burning fossil fuels for heat released about 160 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2015. The UK must decarbonise heating for it to meet its commitments on emissions reduction. UK heat demand can be met from ultra-low-carbon, low enthalpy geothermal energy. Here we review the geothermal potential of the UK, comprising a combination of deep sedimentary basins, ancient warm granites and shallower flooded mines. A conservative calculation of the contained accessible heat in these resources is 200 EJ, about 100 years supply. Presently only one geothermal system is exploited in the UK. It has been supplying about 1.7MWT (heat) to Southampton by extracting water at a temperature of 76 ℃ from a depth of 1.7 km in the Wessex Basin. Like Southampton, most of the major population centres in the UK lie above or adjacent to major geothermal heat sources. The opportunity for using such heat within district heating schemes is considerable. The consequences of developing a substantial part of the UK’s geothermal resource are profound. The baseload heating that could be supplied from low enthalpy geothermal energy would cause a dramatic fall in the UK’s emissions of greenhouse gases, reduce the need for separate energy storage required by the intermittent renewables (wind and solar) and underpin a significant position of the nation’s energy security for the foreseeable future, so lessening the UK’s dependence on imported oil and gas. Investment in indigenous energy supplies would also mean retention of wealth in the UK.

scholarly journals Scaling Up Sustainable Biofuels for a Low-Carbon Future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahira Shafique ◽  
Javeria Shafique
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Solid Biofuels ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Alternate Source ◽  
Solid Biomass

Fossil fuels oil, coal, and gas are valuable resources that are depleting day by day around the world and also imparting a negative impact on the environment. Biofuel because of its dynamic properties; its market values; and being sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, economic, non-pollutant, and abundant is an alternate source of energy. Each country can produce it independently, and because of these valuable properties biofuels have become superior over fossil fuels. This chapter gives a concise preface to biofuels and its impact on the environment. It includes definitions; classifications; impact on environment; implications; types of production techniques like chemical, biochemical, physical, and thermochemical techniques; types of resources like lignocellulosic-biomass, feedstock energy crops, algae, micro-algae, all kinds of solid wastes; and biofuels of prime importance like solid biofuels (biochar, solid biomass), gaseous biofuels (biogas, bio-syngas, and bio-hydrogen), and the most important liquid biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, and bio-oil). Due to increasing global warming and climate-changing conditions, in the near future biofuel being an environment-friendly resource of energy will be a substantial part of the world’s energy demand, with no or zero polluting agents.

scholarly journals A Methodological Framework for the Comparative Analysis of the Environmental Performance of Roadway and Railway Transport

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 721-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diamanto Mintzia ◽  
Fotini Kehagia ◽  
Anastasios Tsakalidis ◽  
Efthimios Zervas
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Sustainable Transport ◽  
Railway Transport ◽  
Railway Line ◽  
Carbon Transport

Low-carbon transport is a priority in addressing climate change. Transport is still almost totally dependent on fossil fuels (96%) and accounts for almost 60% of global oil use. Sustainable transport systems, both passenger and freight, should be economically and technically feasible, but also low-carbon and environmentally friendly. The calculation of greenhouse gas emissions in transport projects is becoming a primary target of transport companies as a part of an endeavor for low-carbon strategies to reduce the energy demand and environmental impact. This paper investigates the CO2 impact of construction and operation of the main highway and railway line infrastructure in Greece, which connects Athens and Thessaloniki, the capital and the second biggest city in Greece respectively and provides a comparative analysis in roadway and railway transport.

scholarly journals Could energy-intensive industries be powered by carbon-free electricity?

2013 ◽  
Vol 371 (1986) ◽  
pp. 20110560 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. C. MacKay
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Electricity Supply ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Main Thrust ◽  
Material Efficiency ◽  
Industrial Energy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Energy Intensive Industries

While the main thrust of the Discussion Meeting Issue on ‘Material efficiency: providing material services with less material production’ was to explore ways in which society's net demand for materials could be reduced, this review examines the possibility of converting industrial energy demand to electricity, and switching to clean electricity sources. This review quantifies the scale of infrastructure required in the UK, focusing on wind and nuclear power as the clean electricity sources, and sets these requirements in the context of the decarbonization of the whole energy system using wind, biomass, solar power in deserts and nuclear options. The transition of industry to a clean low-carbon electricity supply, although technically possible with several different technologies, would have very significant infrastructure requirements.

scholarly journals Recent Status of Geothermal Energy Applications in Turkey

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Balat
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
Energy Applications ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Installed Capacity

This article considers recently status of geothermal energy in Turkey. Turkey is the 7th richest country in the world in geothermal potential. The overall geothermal potential in Turkey is about 38,000 MW. But only 2% of its potential is used. Geothermal electricity generation has a minor role in Turkey's electricity capacity as low as 0.09% but the projections foresee an improvement to 0.32% by the year of 2020. Most of the geothermal sites for electricity generation are located in Aydin–Germencik (505 K), Denizli–Kizildere (515 K), Aydin–Salavatli (444 K), Canakkale–Tuzla (446 K) and Kutahya–Simav (435 K). Turkey has increased their installed capacity over the past five years from 140 MWt to 820 MWt, most for district heating systems. This supplies heat to 51,600 equivalent residences and engineering design to supply a further 150,000 residences with geothermal heat is complete.

scholarly journals GEOTHERMAL POTENTIAL ON SUMATRA FAULT SYSTEM TO SUSTAINABLE GEOTOURISM IN WEST SUMATRA

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-137
Author(s):  
Hari Wiki Utama ◽  
Rahmi Mulyasari ◽  
Yulia Morsa Said
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Geological Maps ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Sumatra Island ◽  
West Sumatra ◽  
Active Ring

Sumatra Island is an island that is traversed an active ring of fire at Barisan Range which is related to the active Sumatra fault system and geothermal manifestations. It is associated with geothermal manifestations in Cubadak, Talu, Bonjol, and Rimbo Panti, Pasaman Regency, and West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra Province, as an indication of a geothermal system connected to the Sumatra Fault System from the Sianok Segment and the Talamau Volcano Complex. Sustainable geotourism has become effective for sustainable development of geotourism, the geothermal energy direct utilization. The purpose of this study is to provide sustainable geotourism from geothermal potential in the fault system, taking into account aspects of village geotourism, ecotourism, ecoculture, and education. The methodology used in this study is to collect data on geothermal manifestations from regional geological maps and field observations in geothermal manifestation areas by considering sustainable geotourism. A simple model of sustainable geotourism is made. Study results indicate several locations of potential geothermal manifestations to be used as sustainable geotourism associated with the Sumatra Fault System and the Talamau Volcano Complex.

scholarly journals Study of geothermal energy potential as a green source of energy with a look at energy consumption in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Dashti ◽  
Maziar Gholami Korzani
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Sustainable Resources ◽  
Geological Characteristics ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
High Energy Consumption

AbstractRegarding disadvantages of fossil fuels, renewables like geothermals can be an eco-friendly source of energy. In Iran, the availability of fossil fuels and poor policies surrounding subsidies (ranked as the first in giving subsidies) caused high energy consumption (1.75 times higher than the global average). Energy is mainly provided by fossil fuels that leads to high CO2 emission. This study evaluates the energy consumption trend and potentials of more sustainable resources like geothermals in Iran. The formation of geothermals is tightly linked with geological prerequisites that are partly present within Iran. Adjacency of the metamorphic with volcanic zones, existence of numerous faults and seismic activity of Iran are notable geological characteristics confirming the geothermal potential. In Iran, 18 regions are being explored as the most promising geothermal prospects. To test the potentials of one of these regions, a geothermal power plant with a capacity of 5 MWe is installed in the Sabalan Field. Northwest (where Sabalan Field is located), central (like Mahalat Region) and southeast of Iran (Makran Zone) can be regarded as promising zones for hosting geothermal prospects.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Assessment of New High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) Modules and Multi-Junction Cells

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 2916
Author(s):  
Jérôme Payet ◽  
Titouan Greffe
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Active Material ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
High Concentration

Worldwide electricity consumption increases by 2.6% each year. Greenhouse gas emissions due to electricity production raise by 2.1% per year on average. The development of efficient low-carbon-footprint renewable energy systems is urgently needed. CPVMatch investigates the feasibility of mirror or lens-based High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) systems. Thanks to innovative four junction solar cells, new glass coatings, Position Sensitive Detectors (PSD), and DC/DC converters, it is possible to reach concentration levels higher than 800× and a module efficiency between 36.7% and 41.6%. From a circular economy’s standpoint, the use of concentration technologies lowers the need in active material, increases recyclability, and reduces the risk of material contamination. By using the Life Cycle Assessment method, it is demonstrated that HCPV presents a carbon footprint ranking between 16.4 and 18.4 g CO2-eq/kWh. A comparison with other energy means for 16 impact categories including primary energy demand and particle emissions points out that the environmental footprint of HCPV is typically 50 to 100 times lower than fossil fuels footprint. HCPV’s footprint is also three times lower than that of crystalline photovoltaic solutions and is close to the environmental performance of wind power and hydropower.

scholarly journals A Digital-Twin Evaluation of Net Zero Energy Building for Existing Buildings

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakdirat Kaewunruen ◽  
Panrawee Rungskunroch ◽  
Joshua Welsh
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Net Zero Energy ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
The Uk

With buildings around the world accounting for nearly one-third of global energy demand and the availability of fossil fuels constantly on the decline, there is a need to ensure that this energy demand is efficiently and effectively managed using renewable energy now more than ever. Most research and case studies have focused on energy efficiency of ‘new’ buildings. In this study, both technical and financial viability of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) for ‘existing’ buildings will be highlighted. A rigorous review of open literatures concerning seven principal areas that in themselves define the concept of NZEB building is carried out. In practice, a suitable option of the NZEB solutions is needed for the evaluation and improvement for a specific geographical area. The evaluation and improvement has been carried out using a novel hierarchy-flow chart coupled with a Building Information Model (BIM). This BIM or digital twin is then used to thoroughly visualize each option, promote collaboration among stakeholders, and accurately estimate associated costs and associated technical issues encountered with producing an NZEB in a pre-determined location. This paper also provides a future model for NZEB applications in existing buildings, which applies renewable technologies to the building by aiming to identify ultimate benefit of the building especially in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in energy consumption. It is revealed that the digital twin is proven to be feasible for all renewable technologies applied on the NZEB buildings. Based on the case study in the UK, it can be affirmed that the suitable NZEB solution for an existing building can achieve the 23 year return period.

Assessing the Carbon Intensity of Low-Enthalpy Deep Geothermal Heat

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair McCay ◽  
Jen Roberts ◽  
Michael Feliks
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Conventional Heating ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Emissions Reduction ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Geothermal Heating ◽  
Heat System ◽  
The Uk

<p>Decarbonising heating presents a significant societal challenge. Deep geothermal energy is widely recognised as a source of low carbon heat. However, to date there has been no assessment of the carbon intensity of heat from low-enthalpy deep geothermal as previous studies have focussed on geothermal power or higher enthalpy heat. Further, there is currently no established method for assessing the CO<sub>2</sub> emissions reduction from implementing a deep geothermal heating scheme.</p><p>To address these gaps, we performed a life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions relating to a typical deep geothermal heat system to (i) calculate the carbon intensity of geothermal heat (ii) identify the factors that most affect these values (iii) consider the carbon abated if geothermal heat substitutes conventional heating sources and (iv) set a benchmark methodology that future projects can adapt and apply to assess and enhance the carbon emissions reduction offered by geothermal heat development in the UK and internationally.</p><p>In the absence of an established deep geothermal heat system in the UK, to inform our work we adopted parameters from a feasibility study for a potential geothermal heat system in Banchory, Scotland. The Banchory project aimed to deliver heat to a network sourced from 2-3 km deep in a radiothermal granite where temperatures were predicted to be 70-90 °C. We assumed a 30 year project lifetime and that the heat system operation was powered by the UK electricity grid which was decarbonising over this period.</p><p>Our analysis found that the carbon intensity of deep geothermal heat is 9.7 - 14.0 kg(CO<sub>2</sub>e)/MWh<sub>th</sub>. This is ~5% of the value for natural gas heating. The carbon intensity is sensitive to several factors, and so the carbon intensity of deep geothermal heat could be reduced further by: replacing diesel fuelled drilling apparatus with natural gas or electricity powered hardware; decarbonise the power grid more rapidly than forecast; or substitute mains power with local renewable electricity to power pumps – or decarbonising the electricity grid faster or deeper; source lower carbon steel and cement; design projects to minimise land use change emissions.</p><p>Overall, our study provides quantitative evidence that deep geothermal systems can produce long term very low carbon heat that is compatible with net-zero, even for low enthalpy geothermal resources.</p>

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