What Are the Environmental Advantages and Disadvantages Of Developing Geothermal Energy?

What Are the Environmental Advantages and Disadvantages Of Developing Geothermal Energy?

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the environmental advantages and disadvantages of developing geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is that energy that can be obtained by harnessing the heat from inside the Earth. In addition to environmental issues, the development of renewable energies also responds to the need for diversification of energy sources. While, renewable energy is theoretically inexhaustible, their potentials vary depending on climatic conditions, geographical location and storage possibilities. Geothermal energy is produced by the extraction and utilization of internal heat of the Earth. It is therefore partially renewable resource and is produced in the depths of our planet that is transmitted by thermal conduction to the surface. Solar thermal energy produces a high yield and return on investment; it can have hot water for free. It also produces 50% of the heating energy use to a dwelling (Kuo, 2012).

A major advantage of this source of energy is that it is present everywhere in the world, unlike oil for example. Another positive aspect is that it generates low levels of contamination, especially in relation to fossil fuels. It usually refers to the alternative sources of energy, and renewable energy resources. The amount of energy produced by solar panels depends on the climate and location.

Background

Only a small fraction of our geothermal resources are being exploited today, it could be exploited much more, and governments and private initiative would promote its development. The hydrothermal energy is cheap and technically easy to get. The hot dry rock, magma and pressurized geothermal energy on Earth have immense potential which remains untapped. Today, advances in drilling and pumping methods allow exploiting geothermal energy in many parts of the world. The Earth has significant geological activity. This is responsible for the present topography of our world, from setting high and low lands (continents and ocean beds) to the formation of mountains. The manifestations of this activity are snapshots volcanism and seismic events (Sener, 2009).

There are various advantages of geothermal power plants such as geothermal energy reserves are large, but not infinite. It can be considered renewable source of energy provided that the injection well is not pumped too much water in too short time. Geothermal power to work does not require fuel supplies from external sources. Working with geothermal power is not accompanied by harmful or toxic emissions. Operation of geothermal power plants does not require any additional costs other than the cost of preventive maintenance or repair. Geothermal power plants do not spoil the landscape and do not require significant land acquisition. A source would avoid energy dependence on fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources (Price, 2006). The waste produced is minimal and cause less environmental impact than those caused by the oil and coal. Geothermal energy sources are great savings system, both economically and in terms of cheap energy. No outside noise generated. Geothermal resources are greater than the resources ...