Geothermics lab.

, Kyushu University

Environmental impact assessment report

of geothermal energy development
Hossein Yousefi and Sachio Ehara
New Zealand Geothermal Workshop
and NZGA Seminar 2008
Yousefi@kyudai.jp
New Zealand -Taupo
11 13 Nov.
2008

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Presentation overview

EIA ?
EIA in Japan
Geothermal energy
Environmental impacts of geothermal energy
EIA report in geothermal projects

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

problems ?
Geothermal energy development is still a new technology in the
most of the countries
There are not enough knowledge about the environmental
impacts of geothermal energy particularly in the developing
countries and as a result:

- It is not included in the EIA law

- Or done too extensive
There is no standard method for EIA in geothermal fields
Depend on the field, there is a large variety of impacts

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA?
Definition : A process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and
mitigating the environmental impacts prior to development and
using the conclusions as a tool in decision-making

purposes :
An aid to decision-making
Sustainable development
Increase efficiency
Raise awareness of environmental issue

- Often results in an EIA report

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA in the world

The environmental assessment process has been defined
differently in different countries. In fact, it appears that no
two countries have defined it in exactly the same way.
The United States was the first country to legislate for EIA in
1969. It is interesting to note that the Philippines has required
EIAs for certain projects since 1977.

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

State of geothermal energy and start for EIA

in the world (2003)
170 MWe
1469 MWt
1994

465 MWt
1975

Iceland
Germany
2202 MWe
3766 MWt
1969

USA

762 MWe
324,6 MWt
1988

Italy

China

20.4 MWe
867,8 MWt
1993

El Salvador
161 MWe
1998

Turkey

Japan

Philippines

Kenya
64 MWe
1999

547 MWe
823 MWt
1972

29 MWe
2282 MWt
1989

Indonesia

1931 MWe
1 MWt
1977

787 MWe
2,3 MWt
1987

New Zealand
437 MWe
308 MWt
1991

Source : Baba, 2003

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA in Japan
1972 : first introduced
1984: a standard rule was set up
1993: enacted in the basic environmental law
1997: the EIA law was enacted

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA law in Japan

The EIA Law in Japan was formulated from the idea that EIA is
very important for preventing environmental degradation and
promoting a sustainable society and developments.

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA of geothermal utilization in Japan

There are about 200 Quaternary volcanoes in Japan
including 83 active ones 4% and 10% of those in the world,
respectively in the narrow territory of only 0.27% of the
land area of the world. Therefore, Japan is blessed with
extensive geothermal resources including hot springs.
Power plant construction, except in case of less than 10 MW,
is subjected to a review in accordance with the Electric
Power Development Law, and appropriate geothermal
organizations,
together
with
an
assessment
of
environmental impact.

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA of geothermal power plants in Japan

With a capacity in excess of 10 MWe, whole
procedure of EIA should be carried out.
Report includes results of measurements, a
prediction of its likely influence, and a mitigation
plan based on the guidelines for geothermal
power plant construction -published in 1992should be submitted to the Ministry of
International Trade and Industry.
plant operators need to follow not only the
regulations regarding the Electric Utility Law,
but also the regulations related to the
environmental laws

Total : 547
MWe

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Geothermal energy

A clean, technically-proven, cost effective

and environmentally benign energy source

Known in over 90 and used in 73 countries

Electricity generation in 24 countries

(10 GWe)

Direct heating
(60 GWth)

But still, has some environmental aspects

use

in

72

countries

Source: IGA website

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Environmental impacts from geothermal developments

Global environmental impacts

Only
positive impacts

Greenhouse
gases

Global
warming

Climate
change

Local environmental impacts:

Despite the many positive impacts on local environment from
geothermal developments but its negative impacts can be
significant sometimes, especially with regard to air and water
pollution which is known chemical impacts.

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Global environmental impacts

World average
2000

Measurements show a very

small amount of CO2 emission
from geothermal power plants
USA average
2005
Source: rmannsson, IGC, 2003

Source: Yousefi, 2007

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Local environmental impacts

Air pollution
Water pollution

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Air pollution

Geothermal plants avoid environmental impacts associated with burning fuels as

well as those associated with transporting.

Geothermal plants emit only trace amounts of nitrogen oxides, almost no sulfur
dioxide or particulate matter, and small amounts of carbon dioxide.

The primary pollutant from most geothermal plants is hydrogen sulfide, which is
naturally present in many subsurface geothermal reservoirs.

2005

2005

Nox Comparison

SO2 Comparison

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Water pollution

Geothermal fluid discharge may have some impacts on local and regional waters
such as rivers, lakes and groundwater. The water phase in some fields sometime
contains toxic ingredients such as boron, arsenic, heavy metals, ammonia and
mercury, which, if discharged into courses, could contaminate downstream waters
used for farming, fisheries or human water supplies .

We have to know that the most water impacts occur during construction and are
only temporary and Reinjection and careful monitoring of the condition of holding
ponds and well casing is very effective tool to avoid of water pollution.

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

EIA study plan for Sabalan geothermal power plant

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University

Conclusions
Generally the environmental impacts of geothermal
power generation and direct use are minor,
controllable, or negligible.
There must be full compliance with environmental
regulations, which may vary from country to
country.
In any case the effects must be monitored and
documented, evaluated and, if necessary, reduced.
We have to note that this report can be different
and may more simple than other EIA reports.
Finally, EIA report is necessary for geothermal
developments but more important is reflecting the
results of EIA and monitoring in the project scheme

Geothermics lab., Kyushu University