Geothermal Energy

By: Brady SweeneyCandace DiBonoDan ZulloKatie VanDenburghZack Osterhout

What is Geothermal Energy?

Super-heated water or steam from earth's interior utilized in running the turbines of a conventional power plant to generate electricity. Such plants are usually small and suitable only for the needs of a local community. Iceland, Italy, New Zealand, Russia, and the US are among the few countries having the right-sized geothermal energy fields.

Ny/Us investments in

Geothermal. While it constitutes 13 percent of U.S.

non-hydroelectric renewable electricity generation, geothermal energy currently provides less than 1 percent of total U.S. electricity and has grown at 3 percent annually over the last 10 years.

Scientific Advancements

A small startup company has created “engineered geothermal”. They hydrofrack the deep in the ground sans the harmful chemicals. It can be used to create plant sites closer to population centers

The Percentage Of

Geothermal Power.

According to the EIA,(energy information administration) geothermal energy accounts for about 3.5% of renewable energy  generation in the United States, with geothermal plants and small power units online in nine states including California, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

Availability of Geothermal Energy. Hydrothermal resources are

available mostly in the western states, Alaska, and Hawaii. It is also available all around the world at tectonic plate boundaries and volcanic hotspots. Geothermal energy can be harnessed almost anywhere with the use of geothermal heat pumps and direct-use applications.

Pros of Geothermal The process is almost completely emission free No carbon emissions are produced The process can safely dispose of sulfur that could possibly be released No fuel required (no mining or transportation) It is “always on” unlike solar or wind Smallest land footprint of any major power source There is a virtually limitless supply of geothermal energy Its a simple and reliable source of energy Can provide base load or peak power Its cost competitive in certain areas Could be built underground Geothermal energy is available in most places at varying levels New technologies show promise to utilize lower temperatures Can be used on a small scale by homeowners for water heating

Cons of Geothermal

There are limited high quality sites, and they are often far from population areas

Long distance transportation of electricity has lost energy

Large quantities of water are used Sulfur Dioxide and Silicon Dioxide are emitted It costs a lot of money to build a plant It is difficult to drill through hot rocks The minimum temperature for a Geothermal plant is

350ºF

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