Geothermal energy used to obtain electrical energy in a clean way and without polluting the environment is an excellent option, especially for homes and industries far from large cities. Currently, this renewable energy is not efficient enough to be used to supply large cities, more than anything it is due to the demanding technology it needs to work.
Geothermal energy produces electricity by taking advantage of the heat energy that exists in the depths of the earth’s crust, in addition, it should be mentioned that it is more efficient if it is located near volcanic conduits and hot springs. Here we show you the 10 most important advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy.
10 Advantages of Geothermal Energy
It is a very cheap energy source.
Its cost is cheap, compared to other renewable energy sources.
Even after making the initial financial investment to adopt geothermal energy as an energy source, there will be significant economic and energy consumption savings.
That is why in recent times there has been an increase in the use of heating and cooling through geothermal energy in residences and urban complexes.
It is important to note that The United States, the Philippines and Indonesia are the largest producers of this energy in the world, while Kenya and Iceland generate 51% and 29% of their annual demand through geothermal energy.
It is a very ecological energy source
By using geothermal as an energy source, the ecosystem is protected, and good use is made of it because the energy generated comes from the same environment.
Likewise, the waste produced is practically minimal, considering that generated by traditional sources such as gas and oil.
Energy performance far superior to consumption
In most cases, the energy production performance doubles and triples in consideration of the consumption value.
That is, the generation system can have a performance greater than 300 %.
Green and completely clean energy
Geothermal energy is very clean, since its generation does not require the combustion of petroleum derivatives.
In this sense, this energy does not generate greenhouse gases nor does it affect the ozone layer.
That is why this type of energy has a very minimal environmental impact.
It is an unlimited resource
The opportunity to generate power through the earth’s internal heat is limitless, making it a renewable source like wind and solar.
Additionally, the hot water used for the use of geothermal energy is found underground, so its replacement is generated naturally.
It is a very reliable energy source
The energy potential of geothermal can be planned and controlled, as it is a very predictable energy source.
Contrary to other renewable energies, energy production can be calculated very easily, also with almost exact precision.
With this feature, worries related to the negative consequences of atmospheric changes and many other situations are avoided.
Technology in constant evolution
The technology applied for the production of geothermal energy is constantly evolving, which allows the production processes are attractive and can be used by everyone.
Even the use of technology has made it possible to reduce the impact of the inconveniences that are generated by the use of this energy.
Highly constant production
This energy is totally productive every day of the year and does not present any type of variation negative or productive interruption.
In short, energy production will be constant and will not be subject to situations that may reduce its potential, as happens with other renewable energies.
Uses little land
The land required for energy development through geothermal plants is much less than that used in other renewable energy sources.
Additionally, there is no need to carry out large-scale civil constructions that have a high environmental impact.
Silent energy
The production of energy through geothermal does not produce sounds or annoying noises outside, this is thanks to the fact that its process consists of taking advantage of the heat and vapors within the earth’s crust, while other types of energy use external events such as the wind in wind power.
10 Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
Generates small emissions of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid
Power generation through geothermal energy can produce emissions of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid.
Both of them harmful gases for the planet and for human beings, are generated in small values, if compared with other energy sources.
It is important to note that sulfuric acid has a very characteristic odor (similar to rotten eggs) that is easy to perceive, however, when it is generated in large quantities, this stench is not detectable and its inhalation is lethal.
Can contaminate water
The production of this energy can release arsenic and ammonia, Toxic agents that can cause contamination of the waters that are close to the places destined for energy generation.
Likewise, there may be a risk of thermal contamination being generated in places close to the point of extraction.
Difficult to transport
One of the main drawbacks is that energy cannot be easily moved from one place to another with current technology. However, the increasing use of this energy has made renewable energy engineers create more efficient technology for the transport and storage of electrical energy based on geothermal energy.
Not applicable everywhere
This type of energy is not applicable in all housing solutions or in buildings due to various factors.
One of the causes that may arise is that there is not enough space to drill. In fact, the composition of the ground can raise the costs of drilling.
It is also possible that the machines to carry out the energy surveys cannot access the place for reasons of space. These factors mean that this energy does not become the main alternative for production on a large scale.
It is exposed to adverse effects
During excavations, some gases found underground may be released into the atmosphere.
Although these gases are mostly harmful to the environment and to living beings, the pollution generated is very low and its impact is much less than that generated by the energy sources currently used.
It can generate microseisms
This type of energy can cause earthquakes and small earthquakes. Excavations towards the center of the earth, can trigger large enough tectonic shifts to cause seismic activity.
The possible earthquakes that can be generated are not entirely dangerous, due to the geographical location of the geothermal exploitation plants.
Susceptible to limited financial resources
The studies applied to the ground are very complex and in a certain way constitute a risk, as well as the specialized machinery to carry out the perforation is difficult to obtain and is expensive. It represents almost 50% of the total investment.
Needs a high initial investment
The expenses to start the construction of an energy extraction plant for commercial purposes are high, since for its production it is necessary to make kilometer-long perforations towards the center of the earth’s surface, which are economically expensive.
Users who decide to adopt this energy source they must resort to a very high economic financing to start the investment.
Its production at an accelerated rate can cause its exhaustion
Geothermal energy is considered a renewable and sustainable energy source.
Its production is generated through the use of underground hot water that is converted into steam and from there electrical and thermal energy is produced.
However, there is the very remote possibility that underground hot water sources could run out, if the rate of generation consumes all the water deposits that are fed by rainwater.
Although this possibility may never occur, it is a negative factor that interferes with the sustainability of energy generation projects through geothermal energy.
Landscape impact
Its installation produces a great negative visual impact on the landscape, in addition it generates a deterioration of the place where the extraction is carried out. However, environmental and geological engineers are currently conducting environmental impact studies with the goal of remediating all environmental and biological impacts during the life of the project.