Geothermal Energy- An OverviewThe energy resource that is stored in the form of heat inside the earth's crust is called as geothermal energy. It also refers to the harnessed energy collected by the absorbed heat in the oceans and atmosphere of the earth. This energy can be successfully used to generate electricity and heat the water. This is not a new concept because almost more than hundred years ago Prince Piero Ginori Conti, an Italian scientist, tested the first geo thermo and prepared the geothermal heating generator in 1904. But with the depleting non-renewable resources alternative sources of energy such as geo thermal energy have gained a lot of prominence. The geothermal energy from the earth is used by setting up a geothermal plant near the natural Geysers of the earth. Besides several MNCs and geo thermal companies, many individuals can also install geosource heat pump in their homes to harness energy reserves within the earth for domestic purposes. This would be certainly a next step to solve the looming power crisis, but it is not free from criticism. The pros and cons of geothermal heating are greatly discussed by the geothermal climate system manufacturers. They have tried to find out what are the problems that are being faced while harnessing such energy. Also, what could be the consequence if it is used by artificial drilling in those areas where there is no natural geysers? For, setting up of power plants in the areas of natural geysers tends to harm the surrounding environment in some ways. So, it is wise to weigh both geothermal pros and cons . If a power plant is built near a natural geyser then this can promise a cleaner and better method of energy production. There are some advantages over the traditional use of fossil fuels. The energy harnessed from such geo thermo heating is clean and safe for our mother earth. The energy source is not exhaustible and the water used in this process of geo thermal energy can be re-used by injecting them in the ground to produce more steams. Even if you set up a geo thermal heating and cooling system in your home you don't have to worry about weather conditions. It can work continuously day and night to give the required energy. But there are some disadvantages too. Construction of any power plant near the geothermal energy source can affect the environment. That is, the land stability of the surrounding regions is in danger due to pumping of water to holes of earth where there is no water. Sometimes it is found that such steams of gases from geysers or artificial drilling also emit lower levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur and nitric oxide. However, if geothermal plants are built with emissions-controlling systems that problem would be largely solved. Next, many doubt if geothermal energy is truly renewable. For, there are chances of cooling down of geo thermal plants cites after the constant use for decades. But as water is sources constantly by rainfall and the heat is produced naturally inside the earth, geo thermal is necessarily a renewable source of energy. |