How Far Is Far Enough? The Social Constitution of Geothermal Energy through Spacing Regulations

Daniel Horn, Matthias Gross, Maria Pfeiffer and Marco Sonnberger
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Daniel Horn: Environmental Sociology, Institute of Sociology, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
Matthias Gross: Environmental Sociology, Institute of Sociology, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
Maria Pfeiffer: Environmental Sociology, Institute of Sociology, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
Marco Sonnberger: Environmental Sociology, Institute of Sociology, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: This article argues that the sociotechnical context in which near-surface geothermal energy is embedded draws out its characteristic of being temporarily depletable. Thereby, the minimization of unavoidable side effects, such as cold plumes, which result from the social constitution of geothermal energy, is a crucial area of consideration. Using the situation in Germany as a touchstone, we discuss how cold plumes and interferences from neighboring ground source heat pumps test the limits of the existing regulatory framework, requiring negotiations between different knowledge sets stemming from areas as diverse as planning law, geology, cultural habits, and engineering. This makes the operation of geothermal energy highly uncertain and continuous negotiations on sustainable modes of extractions a pressing issue.

Keywords: energy transitions; geothermal heat; geology; sociotechnical systems; cold plumes; unintended side effects; STS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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