Alternative Energy Sources
Geothermal
The Quest for Green
Every day we use different types of energy to transport, heat, and create. But not all of our energies are sustainable. Fossil fuels will run out over time, with nothing to replace it, or is there? Geothermal energy is the heat from the earth. It is sustainable, and very green (the earth makes it itself). Geothermal energy is the answer to a renewable and greener alternate source of energy.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal Energy is simply the energy possessed by a substance due to the movement of its atoms or molecules.
Pros:
-Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source. This means that even if you use geothermal energy, you would not deplete it. You can be assured that the energy source would last you for a long time. Unlike fossil fuels, which would run out one day due to their finite number, geothermal energy would continue to be an invaluable and renewable energy source for centuries.
-Geothermal energy is a clean and green form of energy. Utilizing this resource does not cause much damage to the environment. Power plants that make use of fossil fuels like coal end up emitting a lot of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to the pollution in the air. But geothermal energy is good for the environment.
-Geothermal energy can be used for cooling and heating homes. In fact, you would be able to save a lot of money if you make use of geothermal heating systems.
Cons:
-Geothermal energy requires a wide area. You would need to have a massive area in order to lay the pipes and to build the power plant itself.
-Geothermal energy plants have the possibility to cause earthquakes. In fact, a power plant in Switzerland caused a quake in 1997. So one has to be very careful in ascertaining the grounds where the power plant would be built.
-Initial construction cost is expensive. Studying an area if there is enough geothermal energy source is already costly. You also have to add the building cost, the cost for laying the pipes, and many other aspects.
-It is not viable in areas where geothermal heat is not abundant. So even if there is a large area where you could build the plant, the geothermal energy found in that area should still be ascertained.