The Geothermal energy or geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that uses the heat that occurs or stored in the depths of the earth to produce energy, which according to its characteristics can be used directly or produce electricity.
The Short geothermal energy is a technology based on heat use This is stored in the first meter of the surface, usually up to 100 meters deep, with the aim of heating buildings and generating hot water.
Shallow geothermal energy for the future
The Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC) and the EBRO Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) have joined forces with various European organizations in a pioneering effort to use shallow geothermal as a Alternative and sustainable energy source for Air conditioning buildings.
In these lines they have just published in the prestigious magazine Renewable energy A work in which they have developed a new strategy for the sustainable use of Superficial or shallow geothermal agentsLocated less than 400 meters deep and applies an innovative methodology. Real data from twenty -four geothermal facilities in five European countries, based in Liubliana, Munich, Basel, Cardiff and Zaragoza, were used.
The Shore geothermal energy uses the constant temperature of the surface to efficiently chicken buildings And sustainable. There are currently two systems. One of them is the “short closed circuit gather”, which uses closed circuits of pipes that are buried in the substrate, causing a liquid that exchanges heat with the site; An ideal system for areas with limited space that prevents direct interaction with groundwater.
The other type is the “shallow open circuit geothermal energy”, with which the groundwater is extracted from aquifers from a well, it is Use to exchange heat and then be returned by another well to the surface; It is more efficient because it uses water directly underground, with a more constant and sufficient temperature for thermal exchange. This second type has lower installation costs and Reduces energy consumption and co -emissions2Do not contribute to climate change.
Exactly the improvement of the efficiency of this second system has been the aim of the last findings that have now been released in the collaboration that has been around since 2009 between the Igme-CSIC and the CHE. This cooperation has been expanded with other European agencies, looking for a European perspective in which Minimize interference and optimize the use of this clean energy.
From now on the Geological of Slovenia survey, the British Geological Survey, the Technical University of Munich and the University of Basel also participate in, which has applied the new method developed in Igme A Various geothermal facilities in EuropeAs a result, its effectiveness validates in different contexts and climatic conditions.
Geothermal energy: sustainable air conditioning
Jorge Martínez León, the first signer of the article, emphasizes the benefits of this energy that does not require large extensions of land, It is very efficient, sustainable and independent of climatic conditions, It has a low environmental impact, it can be used for both heating and cooling and presents low operating costs.
“It can be more efficient between 3 and 6 times than a heat pump of a conventional air conditioning in terms of energy consumption and It can be installed in almost every building in our citiesOr in industries, but in Spain, except in the case of Zaragoza, little is used with regard to what is happening in Europe. Now, with the latest optimization studies, the potential is still greater, “says the Igme researcher.
This joint effort at European level, in collision by the Igme and CHE, is an important step towards the promotion of shallow geothermal and A feasible and sustainable solution for urban energy needs. The research conducted in this study also offers a valuable tool for the competent authorities in the management of water resources, facilitating informed decision -making and the implementation of solutions for sustainable energy.