Geothermal Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages
Geothermal energy is the power that comes from the earth’s core in the form of heat. Generally, there are two sources of this renewable energy. It comes out as a steam or hot water, resulting from the interaction of hot rocks from the interior surface of the earth. It is also generated as a result of the solar radiation that is transmitted through the earth and is stored in its bedding surface.
There are several advantages and disadvantages that come along exploiting geothermal power as explained below.
Advantages
Here are some of the advantages that people can get from geothermal energy.
Renewable
Because it comes from natural resources, it is also replenished naturally. One of the good things about being renewable is that it is sustainable as well. Geothermal energy can sustain its own rate of consumption. Scientists even say that it can last for billions of years.
Environment Friendly
Although geothermal energy has minor polluting aspects, it is considered environmental friendly in general. The carbon footprint caused by it is just minimal compared to the negative results from conventional fuel sources. Development to geothermal energy can be beneficial to help fight global warming.
Enormous Potential
The amount of geothermal energy stored in the earth’s surface is much enormous compared to the current worldwide energy consumption, which takes about 15 terawatts. Moreover, not all reservoirs are profitable. Hence, people can only utilize less from the massive geothermal potential.
Cheaper
One of the benefits of using geothermal power is that it is, in itself, cheaper than coals and fossil fuels. Also, it has lesser maintenance costs.
Useful for Heating and Cooling
Geothermal energy is known for its usability both in heating and cooling. Generally, water temperatures need to go beyond 150°C in order to produce power from geothermal energy. Today, there are already a lot of homeowners that benefit from geothermal heating and cooling.
Disadvantages
Although geothermal energy has many benefits, it also has some limitations to consider.
Pollution Issues
Greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, silica emissions and among others – these are the toxics that are associated with geothermal energy. However, these pollution issues are very far from the environmental issues that fossil fuels and coals release.
Geographic Limitations
Yes, there is massive potential in geothermal energy. But, sad to say, not all geothermal reservoirs operate. In fact, they are hard to find. Only few sites across the globe can be utilized to generate electricity.
Expensive Project Developments
Geothermal energy is cheaper in the sense that it is a natural source of power. However, the costs of exploration, drilling of reservoirs and geothermal power projects are very high. This limits the development of new and potential geothermal reservoirs.
Surface Instability
The construction of geothermal power plants can trigger earthquakes. Thus, it can affect the stability of the land. Germany and New Zealand are two countries that experienced movements in the surface of the earth upon the construction of a geothermal reservoir.
With all the pros and cons of geothermal energy, only time can tell its future in the power industry. We are hopeful that further developments and technology advancements can positively affect the prices and subsidies of geothermal energy.
