Screening environmental aspects of geothermal electricity production through the application of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach - case study : Nesjavellir power plant in Iceland

Abstract

Production of clean energy at low cost and minimal emissions with sufficient capacity to meet the growing population is a challenge foreseen for the energy sector. Over-exploitation of fossil fuels impairs the environmental systems, consequently affecting public health. Renewable energies are promising alternative sources for future energy supply due to fewer emissions to the environment. This study aims at screening the environmental aspects of geothermal power production using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. It intends to understand and identify weak points in the life cycle of geothermal energy development and utilization as well as learning about the existing mitigation measures. Understanding the impacts which emanate from each stage of the life cycle of a geothermal production system is key in decision making especially when selecting the best available technologies (BATs) to mitigate the impacts with the least impacts on the environment. Nesjavellir geothermal power plant in Iceland was chosen as a case study to understand the contextual environmental impact of geothermal life cycle development. Iceland is one of the leading countries in geothermal energy utilization. Therefore, referencing a geothermal power plant in Iceland as a case study can set the stage for decisionmakers in public and or private sectors, whose countries are on the verge of planning to develop and utilize geothermal resources, such as Tanzania, on the environmental aspects that need thorough environmental monitoring.