Participatory monitoring in geothermal projects: a combined socio-geophysical approach to seismicity, risk perception and acceptability

Abstract

The interplay between geothermal technologies, risk perception, social acceptability and acceptance is critical in the context of geothermal energy projects. Induced seismicity is of particular concern to citizens, and the perception of seismic risk plays an important role in the acceptability of geothermal projects. Starting point for our considerations is the DeepStor research infrastructure project and observations made within this research environment. We establish a conceptual framework for participatory monitoring of seismicity in geothermal projects and explore its possible influence on socio-psychological factors related to risk perception and technology acceptability and acceptance. The participatory monitoring is based on a citizen science approach in which citizens are invited to actively participate in seismic measurements around a geothermal project using plug-and-play seismometers. The potential individual, societal and scientific implications of this approach are analyzed by introducing established participatory and social scientific concepts within the geothermal context. Our conceptual analysis suggests that participatory monitoring could effectively address seismic risk perception and acceptability by enhancing transparency, providing non-experts with first-hand experiences, and fostering discussions and informed decision-making. From a technical perspective, implementing this approach to create dense seismic networks enhances the evidence base in research projects and supports more balanced risk management strategies. This article lays the conceptual groundwork for combining social scientific and geophysical approaches and recommends citizen science demonstration projects accompanied by social scientific research to evaluate this approach. As case example, the planned implementation of the participatory monitoring approach within the DeepStor project is presented. Our findings aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable energy transition, risk management and governance, and the role of public participation in geothermal energy development.