PRGeo- Public Relations for Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is an important component of the future energy supply in Europe which can offer a wide range of possible applications in the field of: electricity, heating and cooling (H&C) and has a great potential of development in many European countries.
However, the advantages of using geothermal energy are little known, and media reports often spread information on its disadvantages (e.g. high upfront costs, drilling risks, environmental threats such as induced seismicity, ground swelling, pollution of ecosystems by the surface inlet of deep geothermal brines, etc.).
The lack of public acceptance for geothermal energy installations hampers the further development of geothermal energy in many countries. The origin of the sceptical view on geothermal energy varies from the lack of information about the technology to wrong conflict management from project owners in case of e.g. induced earthquakes. As a result, political decision makers and potential investors have concerns about possible risks in implementing geothermal projects, and social resistance often results in significant slowdowns of the projects. To make sure that geothermal energy can play its optimal role in Europe's future energy supply, it is essential to address strategic groups of political decision makers, potential investors and the public to mitigate the possible concerns that may block the increased use of geothermal technologies.
This joint activity aims at fostering the social acceptance of all geothermal energy technologies in Europe. It spreads to a wider public the benefits, as well as limits of the different technologies by providing reliable and objective information. Furthermore, it increases local awareness and encourages participation in the planning of geothermal projects, thus reducing their implementation times. To reduce the negative attitude and to promote the use of geothermal energy different approaches are successful in different countries. A knowledge exchange on these approaches can be useful for project owners to adapt new ideas. In addition an expert group can summarize the successful approaches in a best-practice recommendation
More about the project here
Target Group:
PR, media, project owners, K58 decision makers, potential investors, researchers
Steering Committee and Participants
- Leader 1 Hungary
- Leader 2 Germany
- Partner- Italy
- Partner- Switzerland
