Dear Colleagues,

Geothermal energy conversion is rapidly developing as a renewable energy resource capable of supporting the reduction of use of fossil fuels. Advanced, innovative solutions are being proposed, capable of reducing the environmental impact, and applicable in different contexts, from natural to enhanced geothermal systems, making this energy resource widely applicable at a worldwide level. A comprehensive approach to the evaluation of the environmental sustainability of this energy resource has not yet been developed, mainly because the characteristics of the resource (temperature, pressure, and chemical composition; reservoir extension; and geological characterization) are widely different, and different types of impacts need to be evaluated. The purpose itself is different, depending on resource location, as valuable products can be power, heat, and other goods.

Life cycle analysis is being proposed as a powerful tool to provide a quantitative assessment of these matters; however, the development of specific guidelines is necessary, and a focus on the system boundaries and on the types of impacts that should be considered is required.

The scope of this Special Issue of Sustainability is to gather and organize the results of research work in this field, relying both on the existing research and support actions, and on the contribution of research groups and experts all over the world.

This Issue of Sustainability has the ambition to complete information from existing specialist journals publishing research advancements in this field, providing the interdisciplinary support that is needed to consider the different potential issues, and to perform an objective evaluation for the use of stakeholders and  communities.

Prof. Giampaolo Manfrida
Prof. Dr. Riccardo Basosi
Guest Editor

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• geothermal energy
• life cycle analysis
• environmental assessment