Geothermal power is a renewable source of energy in which power is generated from the heat that is stored inside the earth's surface, and from radioactive degradation of minerals inside the surface of the earth. Geothermal power can play a vital role in reducing the effect of global warming in the present and the future. Thus, many countries such as the USA, Russia, Kenya, France, and China--among others--have already set up huge power plants to generate geothermal power for many purposes.
Use of Geothermal Power in Generating Electricty
According to research conducted by the UN in 2005, around 24 countries total generated around 56,785 Gwh of electricity using geothermal power, which accounts for about 0.4% of the total electricity consumption worldwide. This form of electricity production is highly environmentally friendly, as it does not require many non-biodegradable components while setting up a geothermal electricity generation plant. Also, a geothermal plant does not produce much pollution during the entire process of electricity generation.
Use of Geothermal Power in Direct Heating
Geothermal power is generally used in the process of direct heating by over 80 countries. More than 1/3 of the heat thus generated from the geothermal plants is generally used for agricultural and industrial purposes and also for space heating. Such direct heating is generally more efficient than the process of generating electricity, plus it produces far less waste.
Other Uses of Geothermal Power
There are uses of geothermal power other than just direct heating and generation of electricity. Some of the advantages and uses of geothermal power include that no fuel is needed by the geothermal power plants to generate power, or for other purposes; cost of construction of a geothermal power plant is generally very economical and it doesn't require much space for its construction; and lastly, once the power plant is constructed, the energy that is generated is almost free, as it does not require any further added costs.
Disadvantages of Geothermal Power
Although geothermal power has many advantages and uses, certain disadvantages are also associated with it, such as that after about 10-15 years, the site of the plant may run out of the natural steam, which thus becomes a problem, as an alternative must be found.
Another disadvantage associated with geothermal power is that sometimes toxic wastes and minerals might be generated, which can be difficult to dispose of safely.
Environmental Impact of Geothermal Power
Geothermal power plants generally draw a collection of many toxic and hazardous gases from the earth's surface, such as hydrogen sulfide [H2S] and carbon dioxide [CO2], which, if released into the atmosphere, can cause various environmental hazards such as acid rain, global warming, and general air and water pollution, thus affecting the ecological balance of the environment. Thus, to prevent such a scenario, the geothermal power plants that have been set up these days have emission-control systems installed in them, which prevent the emission of toxic gases into the environment; this system helps in absorbing these gases, thus preventing their emissions.
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