Local engagement is key to geothermal success

How do we integrate local engagement into all phases of our project?

As part of the project preparation, we map all important stakeholders together with the district heating company. We make sure to involve all relevant parties in our project in a timely manner such as the municipality, local authorities, politicians, city representatives and local residents.

These stakeholders are kept informed and involved when relevant throughout all phases of the project:

Project development

In the first phase, we develop a custom-made solution for the district heating company in question, apply for an underground license and finalise the heat supply contracts.

The locations of the geothermal facilities are determined in close cooperation with the relevant municipality and the district heating company. We take several factors into account, such as the environment, nature, cultural considerations, drinking water sources, existing urban plans and – of course – the district heating infrastructure.

Appraisal

If the project includes seismic surveys, we make sure to engage with the relevant stakeholders. For example, it is key to keep the residents informed about the activities in their area to minimise concerns and at the same time a good opportunity to create awareness and enthusiasm about the local geothermal project.

In the second phase, we obtain permissions from the authorities and drill exploration wells with the purpose of exploring underground if needed, evaluate the results, and tender out the work we need to subcontract.

When construction and drilling starts on the site, we keep a close dialogue with the neighbours already before we enter the site. Geothermal is a good neighbour for delivering noise and emission free heat for 30 years. But there is a trade-off: During the drilling period (approximately two months per well) the activities create noise. But our experience is, that if we ensure timely and transparent communication most neighbours find construction- and drilling noise for a limited period acceptable when they know the outlook to renewable, reliable, stable and noise free heat production for 30 years.

Construction

In the third phase, we drill the remaining wells and construct the facility. While we are working on the site, we engage locally by inviting them to see the site and discuss the project with us and the district heating company. Activities can include neighbour information meetings, a visitor’s wall around the site, sharing the progress in the local press and newsletters, “open house” events at the site, educational events for certain groups such as local authorities, and excursions to the drill site for relevant politicians, NGOs etc.

Operation and maintenance

The geothermal facility is a good neighbour when built and running. It is much smaller compared with other sources of district heating, and it can be integrated into its surroundings above or below ground e.g. as part of a parking lot, football field or a recreational area. When running, it emits no pollution, no smell and no noise.

Throughout the 30 years of operation, we monitor and maintain wells and pumps, protect the reservoirs and ensure delivery of full heat potential.

Examples from our Aarhus project: