The Advantages of Geothermal Energy, the Largely Unknown Green Energy
April 25th, 2008
Geothermal energy is a renewable green energy source that is largely unknown. Mainly because the more popular green energy choices like wind power and solar energy seem to get a lot more press. However does that mean geothermal energy isn’t a valid green energy choice? Of course not, the main reason why geothermal energy doesn’t attract much attention is due to the capital costs associated with setting such a green energy system up. We are trying so hard at developing other green energy choices that we seem to be ignoring one of the biggest free sources of energy that runs our entire planet, namely heat. Without the heat generated by our planet I don’t much if any life could abound. If that is the case then what are the advantages of geothermal energy? Well before we answer that question let’s answer this one how does geothermal energy work?
Geothermal energy is the process of harnessing the earth’s thermal energy (heat) and converting it into electricity. The Earth has four main layers, as is shown in the picture below. Each layer within the earth has different compositions and temperatures as the picture illustrates. Since heat radiates outwards some of that heat is held by nearby rocks water and earth. In fact up to 40% of the suns rays get absorbed the earth and then release that energy at night.
So the way in which geothermal energy works then is simple. Drill deep holes into the earths crust to create a looping grid like pattern and pump cold water through one end of the system. The water traveling through the earth is then heated by the radiation of the surrounding layer of heated earth, water and rock. By the time the water rises back to the surface is can actually be a couple hundred degrees Celsius. This super heated water is then used as a power source to run a steam turbine to create electricity.
Based on this simple idea the advantages of geothermal energy are;
1. Once up and running a geothermal power station does not create any pollution since the source of its energy is steam. This creates a fantastic green energy solution.
2. No fuel is used to power the geothermal station, which means the operating costs to maintain and run the geothermal station are considerably lower then other green energy solutions.
3. Land costs are generally cheaper to develop a geothermal power station as opposed to the same costs associated with developing an oil, coal or nuclear power plant.
Well so how much does geothermal energy cost? Here are some of the factors that determine the overall start up costs associated with this green energy solution.
Climate – since geothermal energy works off harnessing the energy trapped within the earth’s surface, often the best locations for geothermal energy stations fall along natural the tectonic plates of the earth where access to active molten lava is the greatest. Or in those regions where natural thermal energy is more readily available. For example trying to harness geothermal energy in the arctic is probably not the best choice.
Total Land area required – Horizontal pipes or coils for a geothermal power station system can be installed in a grid like fashion but in some locations it might be more beneficial running this grid system horizontally rather then vertically.
Cost of alternative Green energy – With costs dropping with other green energy developments like solar and wind power can make initial capital costs for geothermal energy seem unpractical. But operating costs are typically lower. So it’s a developmental decision.
Either way you look at it there are advantages of geothermal energy that shouldn’t be ignored. Am I saying that geothermal energy is the answer to the worlds green energy needs, no but can help to offset the demands that other energies provide.
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