Zuidema, Erik (2023) The Role of Geothermal Energy in the Energy Transition of Frisia, the Netherlands. Master thesis.
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Master Thesis Erik Zuidema - Geothermal Energy in Frisia.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces today. One major contributor to the changing climate is the energy sector, which has led to a transition from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels. Sustainable methods like wind and solar energy have increased in popularity significantly in the last few decades, while other methods seem to lag behind. One of these methods is geothermal energy. This paper aims to find out why geothermal energy is lagging behind, which it does through the lens of Market Based Instruments, a set of tools which promote the private sector to invest. The case of Frisia is chosen, as this area in the Netherlands is relatively suitable for geothermal energy. To find whether geothermal energy can have a significant impact on the energy transition of Frisia through the use of MBIs, a series of in-depth interviews, a case study on MBIs in other European nations and a comparison study between geothermal, wind and solar have been conducted. The interviews covered the opinion of the Frisian population, as well as the risks of earthquakes. The interviews indicated that the people would not mind geothermal instead of another sustainable method. Then the MBIs in Germany, France and Finland were studied, which indicated that the growth of geothermal energy, and especially deep geothermal energy, were correlated with the availability of MBIs. However, although geothermal energy grew significantly over a few years, the share of total energy remains negligible. Finally, the comparison study showed that financially, geothermal energy could compete with solar and wind energy, while the institutions of geothermal are more complicated and demanding than that of wind and especially solar. It also showed that geothermal energy requires more time to be constructed, and more planning. Overall, it is clear that geothermal energy is more complicated as a technology than wind and solar energy. To stimulate the growth of geothermal energy, financial measures therefore seem to not be adequate, and additional measures to reduce complexity are required.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Environmental & Infrastructure Planning |
| Supervisor: | Kann, F.M.G. van |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2024 09:02 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jan 2024 09:02 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4445 |
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