Royal HaskoningDHV is currently exploring ultra-deep geothermal heating systems in the Netherlands. Within this research it was analyzed whether people show different levels of emotions when being confronted with ultra-deep geothermal energy projects, and whether there are differences in antecedents of emotions between people living in an area with or without cumulative social impacts and between people living closer or further away from a potential project location.

It was found that people do not show different levels of positive and negative emotions when they were asked to imagine an ultra-deep geothermal energy project to be taken place at a distance of 600 meters or 5 kilometers from their living area. However, people living in areas with cumulative social impacts did show significantly higher levels of negative emotions.

This means that when looking at the possibility of starting ultra-deep geothermal energy projects in areas with cumulative social impacts, the project developers have to take into account that people will be more negative towards the technology, in comparison to other regions. As it is argued by some academics that emotions should play a vital role in debates and project developments, this should specifically apply to areas with cumulative social impacts as this will lead to more responsible project outcomes and thus will most likely increase public acceptance.