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Geothermal

Includes questions related to generating electricity through the use of naturally occuring heat sources.

981 Questions

How can geothermal effect people?

Geothermal energy can benefit people by providing a renewable and sustainable source of electricity and heating. It can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy costs for consumers. Additionally, it can create jobs and stimulate economic development in areas with geothermal resources.

What is being done to encourage the use of geothermal energy for your country and around the world in the future?

Countries that are suitable for geothermal energy collection (that have volcanoes, geysers, tectonic fault lines, or hot rocks not far below the surface) are using small power plants. As the technology improves and costs of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) rise then more countries will take advantage of geothermal, which is expensive to set up, but has no significant running costs or harmful emissions (Carbon dioxide (CO2).

To encourage the use of renewable energy (solar, wind, water, hydro, tidal and wave, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass and biofuel) many countries are setting up carbon taxes or carbon caps and trading. This is making the use of fossil fuels more expensive and companies are moving to renewable energy.

Is geothermal energy cheaper than wind energy?

In short: no.

Geothermal energy harnessing is still in its infancy compared to wind energy, and therefore, more expensive. Overall geothermal energy has been done on a very small scale, but technological breakthroughs need to occur before it can be successfully worldwide.

Then again, with the U.S. energy industry being deregulated, wind energy can be more expensive than other energy types. For instance, when I lived in western Arkansas, I used OG&E as my energy provider, and they offered wind power for just 4.5 cents per kilowatt hour, which was half of a conventional plan. In Texas, providers generally charge 2 cents MORE per kilowatt hour for using purely wind power than conventional.

Is geothermal energy derived from the sun?

No, Geothermal energy comes from the earth.

How is geothermal energy transported to the customer?

Geothermal energy is typically transported to customers through a network of underground pipes that carry hot water or steam from the geothermal power plant to the end users. The heat is then transferred through heat exchangers to provide heating or hot water to buildings or used to generate electricity.

What nuclear process usually occurs in geothermal energy?

The nuclear process that usually occurs in geothermal energy is the decay of radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium in the Earth's crust. This decay process produces heat that warms the surrounding rock and water, creating geothermal energy.

Where does Geothermal Energy get its energy from?

Geothermal energy gets its energy from the heat stored within the Earth's crust. This heat comes from the radioactive decay of elements, residual heat from the Earth's formation, and heat from the sun absorbed by the surface.

What are the characteristics of geothermal resources?

Geothermal resources are characterized by the heat contained within the Earth's crust, which can be harnessed for energy production. These resources are typically found near tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic activity. Geothermal energy is renewable, reliable, and produces low greenhouse gas emissions.

What percentage of energy is produced by geothermal energy in the US?

According to US Energy Information Administration data for 2009, geothermal energy (based on electricity net generation kilowatthour billion figures) accounted for 3.58% of total renewable electricity generated in the USA in 2009 and just 0.38% of total electricity generated in 2009. All renewable sources (mostly sourced from hydroelectric, geothermal and wind) accounted for 10.7% of total electricity generated.

What are the economical problems with geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is usually located near a volcano or geothermal vents. These are frequently not located near large populations. Therefore one of the biggest problems would be the generation of this energy into electricity at the site, and then the transmission of this energy to the population that would require it.

What are two examples of how civilization used geothermal energy today?

Today, civilization uses geothermal energy for electricity generation by tapping into underground reservoirs of hot water and steam to power turbines. Additionally, geothermal energy is used for direct heating in buildings and greenhouses by circulating hot water through pipes to provide warmth.

Does Hawaii have geothermal energy?

Yes, Hawaii does have geothermal energy resources due to its volcanic activity. Geothermal power plants in Hawaii utilize the heat from underground reservoirs of hot water to generate electricity. This renewable energy source helps decrease the state's reliance on imported fossil fuels.

How can geothermal be developed for human use?

Geothermal energy can be harnessed for human use by drilling wells into hot underground reservoirs to access the steam and hot water. This thermal energy can then be used directly for heating buildings or generating electricity through steam turbines. Geothermal power plants can be built in areas with high geothermal activity to make use of this renewable and sustainable energy source.

Can geothermal power plant be used anywhere in the US?

Geothermal power plants are most effective in regions with high heat flow from the Earth's interior, such as those located along tectonic plate boundaries. In the United States, areas like the western states have higher geothermal potential due to their proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, advancements in technology are allowing for the development of geothermal projects in other regions as well.

Is geothermal from the sun?

Geothermal energy is not directly from the sun. It comes from the heat within the Earth's core due to radioactive decay of elements like uranium and thorium. This heat is continuously produced and used for geothermal energy generation.

How has geothermal energy changed over time?

Geothermal energy has evolved over time with advancements in technology, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Improved drilling techniques have allowed access to deeper, hotter reservoirs, increasing power plant capacity and output. Additionally, increased research has led to a better understanding of the resource and its potential for sustainable energy production.

How far do they drill down to get to geothermal energy?

The depth of drilling for geothermal energy can vary depending on local geology, but typically ranges from 1,500 to 10,000 feet deep. In some cases, drilling may go even deeper to reach hotter temperatures for enhanced geothermal systems. The goal is to tap into naturally occurring heat below the Earth's surface to generate electricity or provide heating.

What can you use geothermal power for?

Geothermal power can be used for electricity generation by harnessing the heat from beneath the Earth's surface to produce steam that drives turbines connected to generators. It can also be utilized for direct heating and cooling applications in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings. Additionally, geothermal energy can be leveraged for greenhouse agriculture and industrial processes.

Which is the best energy?

Energy that comes from renewable sources (solar, wind, water, hydro, tidal and wave, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, biofuel) has

little or no cost or pollution. It is free, clean and "green".

This energy is better than energy from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) in industry, transport and the generation of electricity, which releases carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas which is causing global warming.

What are the parts of geothermal power plants?

  • Two holes are drilled down into the rock, often several kilometres deep, to reach very hot rock layers.
  • Water is pumped down one and comes up the other, bubbling and steaming.
  • This steam (or hot water) is used to spin a turbine (the same way as a coal fired power station).
  • Electricity generated is fed into the grid and is sold to customers.
  • The equipment needed :
    • Water, which can be reycled indefinitely.
    • A pump.
    • A turbine generator.
    • And originally, a huge drill to drill the shafts.

What energy is better nuclear or geothermal?

Both nuclear and geothermal energy have their advantages and drawbacks. Nuclear energy is a powerful and efficient source, but comes with risks like accidents and long-term waste disposal. Geothermal energy is a renewable and relatively low-impact source, but its availability is limited to specific geological locations. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on factors like environmental impact, cost, and location suitability.

What are the hazards of geothermal energy?

Some hazards of geothermal energy include the potential for induced seismic activity due to fluid injection or extraction, release of harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide during operation, and the risk of land subsidence or surface deformation in geothermal fields. Proper monitoring and management practices can help mitigate these hazards.

How can geothermal energy help us?

Geothermal energy can help us by providing a renewable and sustainable source of power that generates electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. It can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help to mitigate climate change. Additionally, geothermal energy has the potential to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in regions with geothermal resources.

Is geothermal good for the earth?

NO! Taking the heat from the Earth is helping the sub surface cool at a faster rate. You might be thinking well then how is global warming happening? The atmosphere is warming up but the sub surface is cooling. We are finding more and more ways to help drive the earth to its grave.

How much energy does geothermal energy generate?

Geothermal energy can generate a significant amount of energy, with estimates suggesting that it has the potential to produce around 3-5% of the global electricity demand. The amount of energy generated can vary depending on factors such as the location and size of the geothermal resource.