An article by Prof. Laloui on geothermal energy in AGEFI
© 2019 EPFL
In their latest edition, the AGEFI dedicates a special article entitled “Pourquoi négliger une énergie indigène, renouvelable et durable?” by Prof. Laloui who aims to counterbalance some market stereotypes about certain renewable energies that have been established in the last few years.
Prof. Lyesse Laloui, head of the civil engineering department at EPFL, reaffirms the role of geothermal energy in his latest article in AGEFI. After recalling the context that urges our buildings and cities to become more sustainable, the professor praises the subsidies and aids granted thus far but condemns the huge discrepancies favoring only the development of solar technologies while letting other types of highly promising renewable energies fall behind, such as geothermal energy. In his article, he gives a reminder of the basis of this technology before highlighting its many advantages, such as being local, renewable, durable and carbon neutral, but also reliable throughout the year and compatible with most foundation types and underground structures, rendering the method considerably cheaper. The author is not staining the image of solar energy, but on the contrary, ends his article with a reminder to always adopt a holistic approach when dealing with sustainable constructions. The objective is never to bid one renewable alternative against another in unfruitful rivalries, but to couple their effects instead, and thus, ripen a maximized benefit in more sustainable constructions.
The article is available on the AGEFI website on the following link.