An online survey to explore the awareness and acceptance of geothermal energy among an educated segment of the population in five European and American countries

D. Balzan-Alzate (1) , J. Sanchez-Lopez (2) , Daniela Blessent (2) , J. Raymond (3) , Chrystel Dezayes (4) , Tanguy Le Borgne (5) , D. Moreno Rendón (2) , J.P. Portela (2) , M. Malo (3) , E. Ramírez Restrepo (2) , Pascal Goderniaux (6) , L. Daniele (1)

1 UCHILE - Universidad de Chile = University of Chile [Santiago]
2 Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Medellín
3 INRS - Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique [Québec]
4 BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM)
5 GR - Géosciences Rennes
6 UMONS - University of Mons [Belgium]

Advances in new technologies and the desire to achieve a sustainable and safe energy supply, enable communities to transition from conventional to renewable resources, such as geothermal energy. Perception and acceptance amongst different audiences have a high impact on the feasibility of energy projects, which is an important aspect to analyze. For this reason, this study focuses on describing the level of awareness and acceptance of deep geothermal energy within an educated segment of the population in five European and American countries (Canada, Colombia, Chile, Belgium, and France) at different stages of geothermal development. This study was conducted through an online survey, which was targeted to post-secondary students and professionals. Some of the most significant conclusions are: (1) there is a high degree of awareness of geothermal energy among the respondents in Chile and Canada, a medium level in Belgium and France, and a low one in Colombia; (2) there is a favorable acceptance of a geothermal project in each country, even when hydraulic stimulation is considered; (3) environmental aspects and community safety are the most important issues that must be addressed to support a pilot geothermal project.

Keywords: Geothermal resources; Awareness; Questionnaire; Renewable energies; Communities

Domains: Earth Sciences

D. Balzan-Alzate, J. Sanchez-Lopez, Daniela Blessent, J. Raymond, Chrystel Dezayes, et al.. An online survey to explore the awareness and acceptance of geothermal energy among an educated segment of the population in five European and American countries. Geothermal Energy, 2021, 9 (1), pp.9. ⟨10.1186/s40517-021-00188-x⟩. ⟨insu-03163285⟩