Geothermal Energy has been a buzzword of sorts that has gained a lot of leverage in the recent times. Geothermal gets its origin from the words “geo” (meaning earth) and “thermal” (heat), which hints at the meaning heat from the earth. To be precise, geo thermal energy is derived right from the earth. Geothermal energy pros and cons have been much discussed about, and there is no dearth of argument stating that the renewable source of energy is indeed the answer to our prayers. There are as many arguments stating otherwise, and speaking about problems.
Let us look at the main Geothermal Energy pros and cons . . .
Direct and Immediate Usage -
Geothermal energy has been used directly since a long time when people took baths, prepared meals as well as for heating buildings and houses. The most common reason geothermal energy is used for is for heating. The district heating systems pipe hot water into buildings form the surface of the earth, and make it available for immediate and direct use.
Low emissions -
The problem with most conventional fuels is that when they burn to release energy, they emit gases into the atmosphere. This causes harm to the environment and causes problems such as acid rain. Geothermal energy reduces acid rain by a whopping 97 p c.
Renewable -
The core of the earth constantly produces a large amount of heat, which makes it an extremely renewable source of energy that will never run out.
Qualified Personnel –
Most of the cons quoted against geothermal energy have to do with the economics. As many countries do not use this source of energy, qualified personnel is extremely hard to find.
Cost factor –
The cost factor is another problem, since it is not yet a wide spread source of energy, the costs are bound to be high sky, especially if the scale of implementation is national or even citywide.
To install geothermal energy, it requires wide open spaces, and long pipes. The areas that have dense population will have to figure out how best to incorporate this source of energy.
These are the main geothermal energy pros and cons.