Environmental Impact Assessment of Geoth

Environmental impact assessment report of geothermal energy development : 

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

Presentation overview : 

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

problems ? : 

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

EIA? : 

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

EIA in the world : 

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.

Slide 6: 

USA El Salvador Iceland Turkey Kenya Indonesia Philippines New Zealand Japan China Germany Italy 2202 MWe 3766 MWt 1969 161 MWe 1998 170 MWe 1469 MWt 1994 465 MWt 1975 762 MWe 324,6 MWt 1988 64 MWe 1999 20.4 MWe 867,8 MWt 1993 437 MWe 308 MWt 1991 787 MWe 2,3 MWt 1987 29 MWe 2282 MWt 1989 547 MWe 823 MWt 1972 1931 MWe 1 MWt 1977 State of geothermal energy and start for EIA in the world (2003) Source : Baba, 2003

Slide 7: 

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

Slide 8: 

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.

EIA of geothermal utilization in Japan : 

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.

Slide 10: 

With a capacity in excess of 10 MWe, whole procedure of EIA should be carried out. EIA of geothermal power plants in Japan 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 1992- should 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

Geothermal energy : 

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 use in 72 countries (60 GWth) But still, has some environmental aspects Source: IGA website

Environmental impacts from geothermal developments : 

Environmental impacts from geothermal developments Global environmental impacts Local environmental impacts: Despite the many positive impacts on local environment from geothermal developments but it’s negative impacts can be significant sometimes, especially with regard to air and water pollution which is known chemical impacts. Only positive impacts

Global environmental impacts : 

Global environmental impacts Source: Ármannsson, IGC, 2003 Measurements show a very small amount of CO2 emission from geothermal power plants Source: Yousefi, 2007 World average 2000 USA average 2005

Slide 14: 

Air pollution Water pollution Local environmental impacts

Air pollution : 

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. Nox Comparison SO2 Comparison 2005 2005

Water pollution : 

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.

EIA study plan for Sabalan geothermal power plant : 

EIA study plan for Sabalan geothermal power plant

Slide 18: 

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

Slide 19: 

Thank you