Understanding Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is energy that comes from heat stored in the earth. Sources of this underground heat include magma and the radioactive decay of elements such as thorium, potassium, and uranium. Geothermal energy can be used to generate steam that powers generators and turbines that produce electricity. Using this method of producing electricity has many advantages:

Less pollution

What's good about using geothermal energy to produce electricity is that this method doesn't create any harmful emissions. The proliferation of the use of geothermal energy also reduces the use of fossil fuels, which then reduces emissions that are harmful to the atmosphere.

Little amount of land needed

Production of other forms of energy require forest harvesting, damming of rivers, and use of mine shafts or tunnels. Production of geothermal energy does not require these methods and only a little amount of land is needed for geothermal power plants. Power stations using geothermal energy are build directly over the energy source.

Abundant supply

Because geothermal energy is practically inexhaustible, there is abundant supply. A few miles beneath the surface of the earth, the temperature runs at approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural heat can be used to create geothermal energy that can provide electricity to many houses.

Reliability

There are methods of energy production that rely on wind strength and water levels. This is not the case with geothermal energy. Because geothermal energy relies on heat stored underground, it can be used for producing electricity 24 hours each day.

Low production cost

Power plants generating geothermal energy have low running costs, making geothermal energy affordable. These power plants only need enough energy to power a water pump.