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 utilizes the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The use of geothermal energy aligns with efforts to transition towards clean technology and renewable energy sources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Geothermal energy is considered one of the most reliable renewable energy sources, as it is not dependent on weather conditions like solar or wind energy.
2. The potential for geothermal energy varies by location, with regions near tectonic plate boundaries often having the highest availability due to volcanic activity.
3. Geothermal power plants can have a small land footprint compared to other renewable energy technologies, making them less disruptive to the surrounding environment.
4. In addition to electricity generation, geothermal energy is used in various applications such as district heating, greenhouse heating, and even spa bathing.
5. The global installed capacity for geothermal power has been steadily increasing, with countries like the United States, Indonesia, and the Philippines being the leading producers.

Review Questions

• How does geothermal energy contribute to sustainable development and what are its advantages over traditional fossil fuels?
  • Geothermal energy significantly contributes to sustainable development by providing a reliable and clean source of energy that reduces dependency on fossil fuels. Its advantages include low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, minimal land use compared to solar or wind farms, and a constant supply of energy that is not affected by weather conditions. This helps create a more stable energy infrastructure while promoting environmental conservation.
• Discuss the technology behind geothermal heat pumps and their impact on energy efficiency in residential heating and cooling systems.
  • Geothermal heat pumps utilize the stable temperatures found underground to efficiently heat or cool residential buildings. By transferring heat between the ground and the building, these systems can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to conventional heating and cooling methods. Their impact on energy efficiency is substantial, as they can reduce electricity use for heating by 30% to 60%, leading to lower utility bills and decreased reliance on fossil fuels.
• Evaluate the role of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in expanding geothermal energy accessibility and their potential environmental impacts.
  • Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) play a crucial role in making geothermal energy more accessible by allowing for the utilization of hot dry rock formations that lack sufficient natural hydrothermal resources. By injecting water into these formations, EGS can create artificial reservoirs that generate steam for electricity production. However, there are concerns regarding potential environmental impacts, such as induced seismicity and water usage. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring that EGS development aligns with sustainable practices while expanding geothermal energy’s contribution to the renewable energy landscape.

Related terms

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Systems that use the stable temperatures found a few feet below the Earth's surface to heat or cool buildings by transferring heat to or from the ground.

Hydrothermal Resources: Natural underground reservoirs of hot water and steam that can be tapped for geothermal energy, typically found in volcanic regions.

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Technologies designed to create geothermal reservoirs in areas that lack sufficient natural hydrothermal resources by injecting water into hot, dry rock formations.