The Role of Water in Geothermal Projects: A Presentation by an HNU Researcher

The international conference facilitated a focused exchange between disciplines in the humanities—such as literary studies, linguistics, and the social sciences—and disciplines in the natural sciences—such as geography, geology, and engineering hydrology. Young researchers in particular presented their current research and discussed it in an international forum with participants from Kansas (USA), Toronto (Canada), and Turku (Finland), among other places.

Renoth, who is currently working on his doctoral dissertation on the acceptance of geothermal projects, presented three case studies from Japan, Indonesia, and Germany (Illertissen) in his lecture. Drawing on these studies, he explored the role of water in geothermal projects and highlighted the implications this has for local perspectives.

In all three case studies, water plays a central role in society. Since geothermal projects are closely linked to groundwater and water use, reservations may arise among the local population. These concerns relate to the security of the water supply for their livelihoods (Indonesia: agriculture) or to the smooth operation of culturally significant hot springs (Japan: onsen baths). In Germany, maintaining groundwater quality and the potential use of groundwater within the framework of the geothermal project are among the key decision-making criteria.

Renoth’s conclusion: To avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, the various perspectives of the local population should be taken into account when planning geothermal projects. Different communication and dialogue approaches can help involve regional stakeholders and alleviate reservations. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for communicating geothermal projects. Rather, appropriate communication strategies depend on the specific regional circumstances as well as the expectations of the stakeholders involved. This highlights the need for communication tailored to specific target groups and audiences, which takes different perspectives into account and promotes dialogue.

The conference offered a wide range of opportunities for international and interdisciplinary exchange and highlighted the importance of close collaboration between the humanities and the natural sciences in addressing socially relevant issues.