Geothermal Energy: Heating the Future

We all know the common alternative sources of energy such a wind, solar, and nuclear energy, but what about geothermal energy?  According to Alternative Energy Solutions, “roughly 1.4 x 1021 joules of heat energy flows to the Earth’s surface every year”. The earth’s heat also known as geothermal energy is energy that escapes through the form of steam such as the Nevada hot springs. Geothermal energy is not only clean, but it is also sustainable and renewable as it is continually being produced. 

Geothermal energy ranges from shallow hot water to very high temperatures of molten rock called magma. By utilizing heat pumps, systems can tap into this available resource to cool and heat buildings. Magma is by far the most advantageous resource of geothermal energy; however, it is currently limited because we have yet to develop the technology to recover heat directly from the magma. 

Specifically, in the United States, more geothermal reservoirs are found in the western states like Hawaii and Alaska. Volcanic areas are responsible for heating the rocks in certain locations that give rise to the natural release of steam and hot water. There are many ways to generate electricity from geothermal power. One option is to drill wells in underground reservoirs to produce electricity. Other geothermal power plants use the steam from a reservoir to activate turbines to generate electricity. 

The list of applications due to the implementation of geothermal power are endless and include:

1.) Heating buildings

2.) Growing plants in greenhouses

3.) Drying crops

4.) Heating water at fish farms

5.) Industrial processes

Geothermal energy is a powerful alternative energy source that has extensive capabilities.  “As of 2013, 11,700 megawatts of large geothermal capacity was in operation globally” (GEA). Additionally, the geothermal power plants produced approximately 68 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, capable of meeting the needs of 6 million typical U.S. households (EIA). 

Advantages of Geothermal Energy: 

• Environmentally Friendly
  • geothermal energy has the least impact of any other source
  • it has zero carbon emission
• Renewable Sources
  • since geothermal energy is collected from the Earth’s core, as long as the earth exists geothermal energy exists
  • geothermal energy has the least impact of any other source
  • it has zero carbon emission
• No fuel needed
  • since mining or other degrading extraction processes are not used, there is no fuel needed for the production or use of energy
• Copious supply
  • no shortages, boundless supply, reliable
• Savings for Home Owners
  • there are estimated saving of 30-60%  on heating and 25-50%  on cooling within just a few years
• Smallest Land footprint
  •  most of the piping is laid underground
• Innovation in technology
  • scientists and engineers are continuing to develop new techniques to extract geothermal energy
    • creating low-temperatures of ideal designs of the system

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy:

• Suitable to particular regions
  • zone specific and proper location is important to generate optimal electricity production
• High initial costs
  •  costs for geothermal heat pumps for a standard home range from $10,000-$20,000
  • the system pays itself off in 5-10 years
• Cost of powering the pump
  • geothermal pumps need a power supply to be running consistently
• Surface instability
  • installing geothermal systems can alter the surface’s infrastructure and can trigger earthquakes
• Environmental concerns
  • uses a ton of water
  • sulfur dioxide and silica discharges are released into the air due to the process
• High temperatures needed
  • the site location must be able to withstand temperatures of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the geothermal process to occur and generate desired electricity needs

Coat, natural gas, and petroleum continue to be the leading sources of energy production in the United States; however, it is essential that we continue to explore alternative energy sources to meet society’s growing energy needs. Through the implementation of increased geothermal facilities, the United States can continue to supply electricity without the high costs associated with the current modes of energy production.

 

 

 

Here is some trivia: Where was the first geothermically generated electricity produced?

Answer under the sources!!!

 

 

Sources:

1.) Davison, Alan. “Alternative Energy.” Alternative Energy – Wind, Solar, Hydro and Other Alt Energy Sources for Commercial and Home Power, 28. Mar. 2017,  from www.altenergy.org/.

2.) Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). 2013. Geothermal: International Market Overview Report. 

 3.) “Geothermal Energy Pros and Cons.” Comfort Pro Heating & Air Conditioning, 7 Dec. 2016, www.comfort-pro.com/2015/06/geothermal-energy-pros-and-cons/.

4.) “How Geothermal Energy Works.” Union of Concerned Scientists, www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-geothermal-energy-works.html#references.

5.) “Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy.” Conserve Energy Future, 23 Dec. 2017, www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-geothermal-energy.php.

6.) U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). 2012. International Energy Statistics. Renewables: Electricity Generation: Geothermal. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Larderello, Italy, in 1904