Geothermal energy

Definition

Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the Earth’s interior, which can be harnessed for various applications, including electricity generation and direct heating. This renewable energy source taps into the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, making it a sustainable option for energy production. Geothermal energy can complement other renewable technologies, like solar and wind, by providing a consistent and reliable energy supply, unlike the intermittency seen with solar and wind resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Geothermal energy is considered one of the most reliable renewable energy sources, providing a constant power output regardless of weather conditions.
2. It accounts for a small but significant portion of the world's total electricity generation, with countries like Iceland and the Philippines leading in its utilization.
3. The initial investment for geothermal projects can be high due to drilling costs, but they offer low operating costs and long-term benefits once established.
4. Geothermal energy can also be used for district heating systems, where hot water is distributed through pipelines to provide heating for multiple buildings.
5. The environmental impact of geothermal energy is relatively low compared to fossil fuels, producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

Review Questions

• How does geothermal energy complement other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind?
  • Geothermal energy complements solar and wind power by providing a stable and consistent source of electricity generation. Unlike solar and wind, which are dependent on weather conditions and time of day, geothermal plants can produce power continuously. This ability helps stabilize the grid when other renewable sources may be intermittent, ensuring a reliable energy supply overall.
• What are some advantages and challenges associated with implementing geothermal energy systems?
  • One of the main advantages of geothermal energy is its reliability, as it can generate power consistently without being affected by external factors. Additionally, it has low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, challenges include high upfront capital costs for drilling and establishing plants and the geographical limitations of suitable sites for harnessing geothermal resources.
• Evaluate the potential role of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in expanding the use of geothermal energy globally.
  • Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) have significant potential to expand geothermal energy utilization beyond traditional hotspots by allowing for heat extraction from previously inaccessible geothermal reservoirs. This technology could unlock vast areas that were not previously viable for geothermal development, significantly increasing the amount of available geothermal resources. As EGS technology advances and becomes more economically feasible, it could play a critical role in meeting global energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Related terms

Geothermal power plant: A facility that converts geothermal energy into electricity by using steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines.

Hot springs: Natural water springs that are heated by geothermal energy, often found in volcanic areas and used for bathing or heating purposes.

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS): Technology that enhances geothermal energy production by injecting water into hot rock formations to create reservoirs of geothermal heat.