Advantages of Geothermal Energy

The heat obtained from the sub-surface of the earth that can be utilized for heating and cooling purposes is Geothermal energy. It is generated and stored in the earth that can also be helpful to generate clean electricity. The difference of temperature from the earth’s core to its surface generates a continuous thermal energy in the form of heat. This geothermal energy is sustainable, cost-effective and environment-friendly; however, it has been limited to the areas around the tropical region. The uses and advantages of geothermal energy has surfaced in the recent times and is one of the most effective and beneficial sources of energy. Well, let us run through the advantages of this renewable type of energy that will help us understand the importance of geothermal energy.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

Environmentally Friendly

Geothermal energy is extracted from the earth without burning fossils fuels that reduce the polluting aspects to minimal. Carbon footprints is considerably lowered. In comparison to conventional energy usage, 80% of energy can be saved with the usage of geothermal power plants

stations as they use a renewable heat source that has a steady supply. Geothermal power plants extract only a small amount of heat of the earth’s core. Their greenhouse gas produced is only 5% of that what is emitted from coal-powered plants making geothermal energy safe and advantageous for the environment.

Renewable Resource

When compared to solar, biomass or wind, geothermal energy has proven to be much beneficial. Geothermal energy can be naturally refilled, which means it does not deplete like other energy forms. Some researchers have said that the energy in the geothermal reservoirs can last for billion years. It is a constant source of energy as it is not dependent on

sun or wind and is always available for use. Fossil fuels getting drained, geothermal energy is certainly not going to exhaust anytime soon.

Stable Pricing and Maintenance

Conventional power plants rely on fuels in order to generate electricity hence the costs keep rising and falling depending on the cost of fuel. However, geothermal energy does not need fuel hence the price remains constant. Geothermal systems only have few movable parts which are sheltered inside a building; hence the durability and sustainability of

geothermal plants is higher than that of conventional energy. The heat pump pipes can usually last up to 50 years.

Large Amount of Energy

Geothermal energy produces abundant energy eliminating the risks of shortage of supply. With large power capacity, geothermal power plants can meet the energy demand and over exceed it. The estimate for the potential of geothermal power plants ranges between 0.035 to 2 TW.

High Efficiency

They use 25% to 50% less electricity than conventional systems for heating or cooling, hence geothermal energy is better. From a hardware point of view, they are fabricated with a flexible design that can easily fit in.

Significant Saving

Over the years there has been a significant growth in the utilization of geothermal energy in homes. One evident reason for this is its energy saving feature. A 30-60% savings on heating and 25-50% savings on cooling is observed. Also, the entire geothermal system is wired underground which eliminates the discomfort created by noisy heating and cooling systems.

Geothermal energy gives back an equal amount of water to the area where the heat extraction is happens however it is at a lower temperature which makes this form of energy extremely sustainable and renewable. With the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing demand of energy in industries and households, geothermal energy will gain a wider utility. As geothermal energy has minimal land and freshwater requirements, it has a wider scope in the present and future of the environment.

Geothermal Energy is used in many countries in the world, US being the largest producer of it. A significant usage is also observed in Iceland, New Zealand, Kenya, Philippines and many more. Since geothermal does not depend on weather and climatic conditions, many countries are open to investing into geothermal plants in order to save for the future. It might be a great investment today however it sure has its benefits that will be reaped by the generations to come. Geothermal energy must have not been a much talked about subject, but it has made a huge difference in the conventional methods of energy production. If we understand the benefits of geothermal energy today we can make it work wonders for our environment today as well as tomorrow.