Evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of one China’s HDR geothermal energy based heating system in a life cycle framework

Purpose In recent years, fast urban expansion in China has stimulated rapid energy consumption growth and increased environmental pollution. Therefore, it is important to utilize clean and renewable energy in district heating for the sustainable urban development. This study aimed to investigate the environmental and economic impacts of one hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal energy-based heating system in a life cycle framework. Design/methodology/approach By using the input–output-based life cycle analysis model, the energy consumption, CO 2 emission and other pollutants of the HDR-based heating system were evaluated and then compared with those of other four heating systems based on burning coal or natural gas. The life cycle costs of the HDR-based heating system were also analyzed. Findings The results showed that using HDR geothermal energy for heating can significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption, CO 2 emission as well as environmental pollution, and its life cycle costs are also competitive. Originality/value This study not only evaluated the environmental and economic impacts of the HDR-based heating system in a life cycle framework but also provided a methodological life cycle assessment framework that can estimate both economic and environmental benefits, which can be used in policy making for China’s urban development.