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Geothermal Energy

Description

The Earth's crust is a bountiful source of energy, but fossil fuels are only part of the picture. Thermal Energy is the most abundant source of all, unfortunately it lies about 6 miles below the Earth's surface so drilling for it usually doesn't pay off. Although when drilling does occur the heat is brought near the surface by underground circulation of water and by molten magma seeping in to the Earth's crust.

Thermal Energy: What Does It Mean?

"Geothermal" comes from the Greek words 'geo' (earth) and 'therme' (heat). So therefore, geothermal means earth heat. Our earth's interior - like the sun - provides heat energy from nature. This heat - geothermal energy - produces warmth and power that we can use without polluting the environment. Geothermal heat originates from Earth's fiery dusts and gases, billions of years old. At earth's core - approximately 4,000 miles deep - temperatures sizzle between 8 000 and 10 000 degrees F, which in turn creates a lot of energy!

The Production Of Power From Geothermal Energy
Step 1: Must be detected underground.
Step 2: Underground reservoirs used to tap for energy.
Step 3: Transported to power company.
Step 4: Sent to homes or where it is needed.

Before Going To Your Home

In geothermal power plants steam, heat or hot water from geothermal reservoirs provides the force that spins the turbine generators and produces electricity. The geothermal water that is used is then returned down an injection well into the reservoir to be reheated, to ensure continuous pressure, and to sustain the reservoir.

Advantages of Geothermal Power

Disadvantages of Geothermal Power
  • By far the best energy source for the environment
  • So deep in the Earth that it is expensive to extract
  • Much more efficient than than fossil fuels
  • U.S. is only country that readily offers Geothermal power to the public
  • Can be extracted from some water spots on Earth's surface
  • It isn't easy to detect

    • Geothermal Production Plants Near Us
  • Springhill, Nova Scotia-pumps water from coal mines through pipes to heat and cool industrial buildings

    • Bibliography
    "Renewable Northwest Project - Geothermal Power"
    Available at http://www.rnp.org/htmls/geotherm.htm