Geothermal energy, as one of the more well-known renewable energy sources (RES), is used in many operating installations around the world. Depending on the temperature of the geothermal waters in question, the choices range from installations for generating electricity (high-temperature geothermal energy), to the production of thermal energy for use in recreational complexes, to fish farming (low-temperature geothermal energy). Lindal’s diagram determines the possibilities of using warm groundwater for many investment projects. In light of the drive to avoid climate change, it seems that the conventional “one-way” use of geothermal water resources is insufficient. Therefore, this article presents an optimal innovative solution wherein geothermal water is fully utilized in a geothermal cogeneration installation to produce heat and electricity and to provide cooling. In addition, it was proposed to expand the investment with photovoltaic and hydropower plants to ensure greater energy independence by diversifying energy sources and increasing the share of energy supplies based on renewable energy sources. Such a broad approach allows for the implementation of a sustainable development strategy in the field of environmental protection. The proposed solution involves the modernization and expansion of the existing energy generation sources by a heating plant and a geothermal power plant in Chochołowskie Termy (South Poland), as well as the construction of a power plant based on a photovoltaic installation, hydropower setup, and energy storage. The presented innovative solution may be an excellent example of implementation for similar geothermal facilities in the world. The novelty of the system is the approach of assessing and combining the different RES in one project, based on a geothermal plant. Popularizing this solution in the wider scientific environment may have a real impact in terms of the reduction of pollutant emissions.

The global shift towards the use of renewable energy is essential to ensure sustainable development, and geothermal energy stands out as a suitable option that can support various cascading projects. Spent geothermal water (SGW) requires proper treatment to ensure that it does not become an environmental burden. Typically, companies often face the dilemma of choosing between discharging spent geothermal water (SGW) into surface waters or injecting it into rock masses, and the economic and environmental impacts of the decision made determines the feasibility of geothermal plant development. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of SGW injection into rock masses. To this end, we employed a comprehensive analytical approach using the Chochołów GT-1 geothermal injection borehole in Poland as a reference case. We also performed drilling and hydrogeological testing, characterized rock samples in the laboratory, and corrected hydrodynamic parameters for thermal lift effects to ensure accurate aquifer characterization. The results obtained highlight the importance of correcting hydrogeological parameters for thermal effects, which if neglected can lead to a significant overestimation of the calculated hydrogeological parameters. Based on our analysis, we developed a framework for assessing SGW injection feasibility that integrates detailed hydrogeological and geotechnical analyses with environmental risk assessment to ensure sustainable geothermal resource exploitation. This framework should be mandatory for planning new geothermal power plants or complexes worldwide. Our results also emphasize the need for adequate SGW management so as to ensure that the benefits of using a renewable and zero-emission resource, such as geothermal energy, are not compromised by the low absorption capacity of rock masses or adverse environmental effects.