Geothermal energy

Definition

Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth, which can be found as hot water or steam. This renewable energy source is harnessed by tapping into the earth's internal heat for various applications, including electricity generation and direct heating. Utilizing geothermal energy contributes to sustainable innovation by providing a clean, reliable source of power that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Geothermal energy is considered one of the most stable and consistent forms of renewable energy due to the constant heat produced by the Earth's core.
2. Countries like Iceland and the Philippines rely heavily on geothermal energy for their electricity generation, showcasing its potential on a national scale.
3. The technology used to harness geothermal energy has advanced significantly, making it possible to extract energy from lower temperature sources than previously feasible.
4. Geothermal power plants produce very low amounts of carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power plants, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
5. Geothermal heating systems can be used in residential settings for space heating, providing an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional heating methods.

Review Questions

• How does geothermal energy differ from other forms of renewable energy in terms of reliability and consistency?
  • Geothermal energy stands out among renewable sources due to its ability to provide a stable and continuous supply of power. Unlike solar or wind energy, which are dependent on weather conditions and time of day, geothermal energy is generated from the Earth's internal heat, ensuring availability around the clock. This reliability makes it an attractive option for baseload power generation, complementing other renewables that may be intermittent.
• Evaluate the environmental benefits of utilizing geothermal energy compared to fossil fuels in electricity generation.
  • Using geothermal energy for electricity generation significantly reduces carbon emissions when compared to fossil fuels. Geothermal power plants have much lower greenhouse gas outputs, contributing to climate change mitigation. Additionally, they require less land area than many solar or wind farms and have minimal impact on ecosystems. By shifting towards geothermal sources, societies can enhance their sustainability efforts while still meeting energy demands.
• Assess the potential challenges facing the expansion of geothermal energy infrastructure globally and propose strategies to overcome these barriers.
  • Expanding geothermal energy infrastructure globally faces challenges such as high upfront costs for drilling and plant construction, limited suitable sites, and regulatory hurdles. To address these issues, governments could provide financial incentives for geothermal projects and streamline permitting processes. Additionally, investing in research and development can lead to improved technologies for harnessing geothermal resources more efficiently, making them accessible in diverse geographical areas.

Related terms

Renewable Energy: Energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

Hydrothermal Resources: Geothermal resources that are characterized by the presence of water and heat, often used for electricity production or heating.

Binary Cycle Power Plant: A type of geothermal power plant that uses a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point than water to generate electricity from lower temperature geothermal resources.