Eco20/20- Renewable Energy: Geothermal

Eco20/20: Geothermal

Geothermal

8/6/08-

Energy prices are continuing to rise at an alarming rate. If you own a home and have to pay for heating and cooling you know that the price to do so is becoming increasingly less affordable. What if you can pay the same monthly bill, and produce your own energy and not have to pay the energy companies for gas, propane or oil? Why not buy a geothermal system.

We decided to do some research and decide whether a geothermal system could make sense for the average consumer. As we are headquartered in Michigan, we decided this would be a great place to start. Michigan is a fairly cold place in the winter, so if a system could make sense here, it would definitely make sense in other areas......

Geothermal power energy uses the earth as the source for harnessing energy. Energy is produced because the earth's surface is hot. Geothermal systems work by harnessing that heat and converting it into energy. These systems can be used to efficiently heat and cool your house or business. Geothermal energy is primarily a renewable energy source. However, the earth may cool in that area therefore producing less energy. No pollution is created from the use of geothermal devises.

The Department of energy says that Geothermal energy plants supply substantial amounts of energy to the western United States. Hawaii gets 25 percent its energy sources from geothermal energy. Like any energy source, there are advantages and disadvantages to geothermal power energy. Geothermal energy make up less than one percent of the world's energy.