CO_2 Emission Mitigation by Geothermal Development-Especially with Geothermal Heat Pumps

摘要

Geothermal technologies for power generation or direct use operate with little or no greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal energy development has thus great CO_2 emission reduction potential when substituting fossil sources of energy. Geothermal development estimates for 2050 indicate that power generation could mitigate CO_2 emissions by 100's of Mt/yr, direct use ＞300 Mt/yr, most of it by geothermal heat pumps. These need electricity; its source must be considered. Real CO_2 emission reduction results only when fossil-fired installations are being replaced; otherwise only additional emission can be avoided.