Geothermal Energy Potential for Power Generation in Palestine: A Case Study in Nablus

Palestinians now incur the highest energy expense rates in the area. The Palestinian population has increased, and therefore, the number of devices in use has multiplied many times compared to a decade ago. The country's circumstances previously did not necessitate air conditioners; however, they have now become essential due to climate change and the proliferation of factories and installations, leading to an excess of electrical energy. Therefore, it is imperative to utilize natural energy sources to mitigate the consumption of non-renewable energy and the environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels. A geothermal heating and cooling system is an excellent, environmentally friendly choice. Geothermal energy is environmentally advantageous, operates continuously, and has a prolonged lifespan. The system utilizes a vertical ground heat exchanger installed at a depth of 70 meters via water pipes, facilitating heat transfer from the soil. An economical duct system circulates both heated and cooled air throughout the building and has a fresh air inlet. This research will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy in comparison to other energy sources, namely electricity, focusing on cost, maintenance, and efficiency in heating and air conditioning at Hardee's restaurant. It was found that the overall thermal resistance was 0.4 m2.oC/W and the average ground temperature was 19 oC. Geothermal energy remains underused in Palestine, and thus addresses the question, "Has this conceptual project been implemented in any building previously?" Geothermal energy is underexploited in Palestine; hence, its use is imperative. Given these advantages, it is recommended to use geothermal energy in locations that operate daily for 12 hours, as well as in areas with sufficient space for drilling. Hardee's restaurant in Nablus was selected because of its operation seven days a week for twelve hours daily, resulting in a consistently short recovery time, which we estimate to be around 40 Months.