Geothermal Energy-Tapping the Power of Earth

In an age of uncertainty over energy sustainability and the occasional feeling of guilt for how we use energy, it might be a relief to know that the answer to our energy problems might be right under our feet, no pun intended. This answer is in the form of geothermal energy, or essentially energy derived from the heat within the earth's crust. Now keep in mind that geothermal energy probably is not the quintessential or all-important solution to our energy needs, but geothermal can be an exciting star player in the diverse energy portfolio that the world will probably see develop over the next few decades.

Currently, the world acquired between 80%-90% of its energy by the burning of fossil fuels and according to the U.S Energy Information Administration or EIA this need for energy will jump 50% by the year 2030. The problem lies in the theory that global warming is adversely affecting our earth's environment and climate or the cold hard fact that fossil fuels are finite and once we exhaust them they are gone for good. The fact that the vast majority of energy production in the world is coming from a finite resource that may or may not be causing negative effects to our planet is the reason behind such innovative ideas such as geothermal energy.

Now, geothermal energy works on the principle of harnessing the energy that is locked away in the earth's crust. Many geothermal plants go about creating energy by drilling into the earth's crust anywhere from just a few hundred feet to several miles down into the ground. Once pipes are drilled to that depth water is then pumped down into the ground were it is heated by the earth then becomes pressurized and comes back to the surface were the geothermal plant can then utilize this heat for electricity production, industrial applications, or even for the heating of homes.

More importantly, however is the question of sustainability, cost, energy production, and the cold hard numbers. Like previously stated, geothermal is not a game changer at this point, but it is putting a dent in our thirst for energy. The average geothermal plant produces anywhere from 10-150 Megawatts of power. That power should be good for at least a few thousand homes, but compared to something like a nuclear power plant that on average generates approximately 1000 Megawatts of power and suddenly a geothermal plant looks pretty small. The good news is that through out the world, geothermal produces almost 11,000 Megawatts of electricity alone, which does not take into account all of the non-electric generating industrial applications that geothermal serves. The nearly 11,000 Megawatts of power also translates into a 20% increase in the use of geothermal energy in the past five years.

Undoubtedly one of the most brilliant aspects of geothermal is its sustainability. Since geothermal is tapping an almost infinite source of energy, it can be counted on as an energy source that will always be there to serve.

But, it is important to remember that you can't get something for nothing. Surprisingly enough geothermal does have a few distinct and prevalent downsides. For one, geothermal actually does have some emissions. Some of these emissions include carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, which have all been know to contribute to acid rain and are considered green house gasses. These gasses originate in the earth's crust and are set free during drilling operations, but it is also important to note that on a per kilowatt basis, very few emissions actually take place compared to say a coal or natural gas fired power plant.

Another downside to geothermal is that because of its relatively small economies of scale, power generated at a geothermal plant can be very expensive. It is very expensive for a company to drill wells for geothermal power plants that have a 20% chance of not even producing any heat for the plant. On average, a geothermal plant produces power at roughly $.05-$.06 per kilowatt-hour. While that probably doesn't seem like a lot and if you look at your electric bill, that will seem pretty inexpensive, but the average coal fired power plant can produce electricity at half that cost at least.

Just because it does not look like geothermal power will solve all of our problems for the future, its important not to disregard it as a viable source of energy. Remember that geothermal is highly sustainable and renewable with relatively few emissions and is growing extremely rapidly making geothermal a strong contender in the fight to feed our worlds growing hunger for energy.

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• Pros And Cons Of Geothermal Energy
• How Does Geothermal Energy Work?
• Going Green with Geothermal Energy
• Frequently Asked Questions about Geothermal Energy
• Different Uses of Geothermal Energy
• Understanding Geothermal Energy
• Geothermal Green Energy
• Geothermal Energy: Using the Earth
• Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling Right For Your Home?
• Geothermal Energy-Tapping the Power of Earth
• The Geysers Geothermal Energy Sustainability
• Geothermal System - Everyone should have one!
• Top Reasons to Install a Geothermal Energy System