Exploring Geothermal Energy’s Potential in Smart Cities Building Climate Control

Abstract

Exploring the intersection of geothermal energy and smart city development, this review underscores the pivotal role of Earth’s intrinsic heat in fostering sustainable urban environments, particularly in building climate control. Geothermal energy systems, including Ground Source Heat Pumps and Geothermal Power Plants, emerge as viable solutions for consistent and sustainable heating, cooling, and electricity generation in urban contexts. This article navigates through the multifaceted applications and challenges of integrating geothermal energy into smart cities, highlighting its potential to enhance urban services, optimize energy use, and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Despite the technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles, strategic solutions, policies, and technological advancements pave the way for a future where geothermal energy substantively contributes to the realization of energy-efficient and smart urban ecosystems. The exploration is substantiated by various case studies and data, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of geothermal energy in smart city development.