Geothermal energy

Definition

Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the Earth's interior, harnessed for various uses, including electricity generation and direct heating applications. This renewable energy source is based on the natural heat produced by the Earth's core and can provide a stable, reliable power supply with low environmental impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Geothermal energy is considered a sustainable resource because it relies on the Earth's internal heat, which is constantly replenished.
2. The largest producers of geothermal energy include countries like the United States, Philippines, and Indonesia, with numerous geothermal power plants operational worldwide.
3. Geothermal systems can be used for heating and cooling buildings through ground-source heat pumps that exploit temperature differences between the ground and air.
4. One of the significant advantages of geothermal energy is its ability to provide baseload power, meaning it can generate electricity continuously regardless of weather conditions.
5. The environmental impact of geothermal energy is relatively low compared to fossil fuels, as it produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

Review Questions

• How does geothermal energy differ from other renewable energy sources in terms of reliability and output?
  • Geothermal energy stands out among renewable sources due to its reliability and ability to provide consistent output. Unlike solar or wind energy, which depend on weather conditions and time of day, geothermal systems generate power continuously because they draw heat from the Earth's core. This stability allows for geothermal energy to be used as baseload power, ensuring a steady supply of electricity that can support grid demands at all times.
• What are the main technological advancements in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), and how do they contribute to increasing geothermal energy production?
  • Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) involve innovative techniques such as hydraulic fracturing to create or improve underground reservoirs that can efficiently extract heat from dry or low-permeability rocks. These advancements expand the potential for geothermal energy by allowing access to locations that were previously unsuitable for traditional geothermal extraction. By enhancing the production of hot water or steam from these geological formations, EGS contributes significantly to increasing overall geothermal energy production, making it a more viable renewable resource.
• Evaluate the potential economic and environmental impacts of widespread adoption of geothermal energy as a primary energy source.
  • Widespread adoption of geothermal energy could lead to significant economic benefits, including job creation in construction, maintenance, and operation of geothermal facilities. It would also reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lowering fuel costs over time. Environmentally, transitioning to geothermal energy could greatly decrease greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources. However, challenges such as initial investment costs and potential localized environmental impacts must be considered. Overall, the move toward greater use of geothermal energy could foster a more sustainable energy future with long-term ecological benefits.

Related terms

Geothermal Power Plant: A facility that converts geothermal energy into electricity by using steam or hot water extracted from underground reservoirs.

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Technologies that enhance geothermal resources by creating or improving reservoirs to extract heat from dry or low-permeability rock formations.

Renewable Energy:

Energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.