Economic and Environmental Analysis of Different District Heating Systems Aided by Geothermal Energy

Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Arturo Farfán Martín, Ignacio Martín Nieto and Diego González-Aguilera
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Cristina Sáez Blázquez: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, University of Salamanca, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Arturo Farfán Martín: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, University of Salamanca, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Ignacio Martín Nieto: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, University of Salamanca, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Diego González-Aguilera: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, University of Salamanca, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: As a renewable energy source, geothermal energy can provide base-load power supply both for electricity and direct uses, such as space heating. Regarding this last use, in the present study, district heating systems aided by geothermal energy, the so-called geothermal district heating systems, are studied. Thus, three different options of a geothermal district heating system are evaluated and compared in terms of environmental and economic aspects with a traditional fossil installation. Calculations were carried out from a particular study case, a set of buildings located Province of León in the north of Spain. From real data of each of the assumptions considered, an exhaustive comparison among the different scenarios studied, was thoroughly made. Results revealed the most suitable option from an economic point of view but always considering the environmental impacts of each one. In this regard, the assumption of a district heating system totally supplied by geothermal energy clearly stands out from the rest of options. Thus, the manuscript main objective is to emphasise the advantages of these systems as they constitute the ideal solution from both the economic and environmental parameters analysed.

Keywords: geothermal energy; district heating systems; renewable energy; economic and environmental comparison (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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