Webinar – Analysis of community acceptance of geothermal, 12 October 2023

“Why Geothermal? Analysis of Community Acceptance to Promote Energy Justice and Sustainable Development Strategies in Rural Argentina” webinar by GSNI (source: GSNI)

Registration is currently open for a webinar on the topic of social acceptance and understanding of geothermal energy. This is a part of the 2023 Northern Ireland Geothermal Webinar Series organized by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

Title: “Why Geothermal? Analysis of Community Acceptance to Promote Energy Justice and Sustainable Development Strategies in Rural Argentina”

Date: 12 October 2023, 16:00-17:00 BST

Speaker: Jackson Marshall Grimes, Project Manager, Project InnerSpace

Registration: Register via this link

More details on the webinar

Jackson Marshall Grimes of Project InnerSpace will discuss his research that investigates social acceptance and understanding of geothermal energy amongst the people of Varvarco, a small, remote, marginalized village in the Argentinean Andes.

Many countries are broadening their energy matrix and exploring opportunities to develop geothermal power projects often in regions where industrialization has not occurred. As the number of these projects in the pre-feasibility stage grows, it is imperative that the development of these projects is done in a socially just and equitable manner. Historically the large-scale development of geothermal resources has been driven by the need to meet national electricity demands.

However, as technologies and our understanding of geothermal has improved, new practical applications have emerged. Geothermal heat can serve to employ and empower communities while simultaneously building resilience to the threats of climate change.

Jackson will explain his research in Varvarco; the closest settlement to Argentina’s highest potential geothermal project, Domuyo. The current design of this pre-feasibility GPPP contains no plans for utilizing direct heat. Through a series of one-on-one interviews and internet surveys a mix of qualitative and quantitative questions were asked to the inhabitants of Varvarco. Data was gathered on the general knowledge of geothermal energy and opinion of its development, socio-demographics, and living conditions within the community.

Based on the information gathered within this study, a variety of demonstration and profitability initiatives are suggested which may be best suited to local conditions and may continue to enhance public perception of geothermal energy.

Source: Geological Survey of Northern Ireland via LinkedIn