Geothermal Energy and Its Impact in the Power Race
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Geothermal energy is somewhat of an unknown entity in the average persons knowledge of alternative power sources. For a brief language lesson, geothermal from the Greek words geo and therme mean earths heat. The interior of the Earth is made from molten rock and what geothermal energy does is capture the heat under the Earths crust to create a power source.
Picture the center of the Earth. It is so hot that it can melt rock quite easily. Well, as you go down into the Earths crust, the temperatures get higher and higher. It is estimated that for approximately every forty yards (not quite half the length of a football field), the temperature rises about thirty-four degrees Fahrenheit. What happens is that the heated rocks below the Earths surface heat up water to create steam. Holes are then drilled into these specific geothermal regions so that the steam can escape
During the process the geothermal power station drills the holes mentioned above and creates an injection well where cold water is pumped down the well. This cold water filters through the hot rocks and then pressure is used to bring the water back up. Once the hot water reaches the surface, it turns into the steam, which is then harnessed for power. Well, that steam is cleaned and filtered and then used to power turbines, which in turn provide an electric power source.
The advantages of geothermal energy
When a power station harnesses geothermal power in the correct manner, there are no by-products, which are harmful to the environment. Environmentalists should be happy about that! There is also no consumption of any type of fossil fuels. In addition, geothermal energy does not output any type of greenhouse effect. After the construction of a geothermal power plant, there is little maintenance to contend with. In terms of energy consumption, a geothermal power plant is self-sufficient. Another advantage to geothermal energy is that the power plants do not have to be huge which is great for protecting the natural environment.
The disadvantages of geothermal energy
There are several disadvantages to geothermal energy. First of all, you cant just build a geothermal power plant in some vacant land plot somewhere. The area where a geothermal energy power plant would be built would consist of those suitable hot rocks at just the right depth for drilling. In addition, the type of rock must be easy to drill into. It is important to take care of a geothermal site because if the holes were drilled improperly, then potentially harmful minerals and gas could escape from under ground. These hazardous materials are nearly impossible to get rid of properly. Pollution may occur due to improper drilling at geothermal stations. Believe it or not, but it is possible for a specific geothermal area to run dry or lose steam.
Alternative uses for geothermal energy
Besides power resources, geothermal energy can be harnessed for other means as well. Thanks to geothermal water, there are natural hot springs all over the world and many people enjoy the warm waters and its restorative effects. Geothermal water can also be beneficial for growing agricultural products in a greenhouse within a cold or icy climate. Geothermal waters can be harnessed to create space heating in buildings or even to keep streets and sidewalks warm enough to prevent icing over. Several cities have actually used geothermal energy in this unique manner.
Because geothermal energy is reliable and renewable, this alternative power source will start to enjoy more growth. However, just remember that geothermal energy will not necessarily be available in many areas due to its volatile needs. Areas like California, Iceland, Hawaii and Japan are just a few places where geothermal energy is being used, many due to earthquakes and the underground volcanic activity. If you want to learn more about how you can help with global warming have a look at 200 Ways to Fight global warming, a ebook and audio program that will help you fight global warming today.
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