It is very reassuring to know that geothermal energy is a natural form of energy generated from the earth. Geothermal energy is considered to be a sustainable and clean source of power. The heat that comes from the earth’s core can be used for heating and cooling buildings, drying clothes and many other purposes.
Hot water reservoirs produce the steam found deep under the Earth’s ground, and electricity is produced by rotating a turbine that activates a generator.
Renewable energy from geothermal sources can generate electricity and provide sufficient heating and cooling to homes and businesses.
What are the advantages of using geothermal energy? To find out more, continue reading to discover geothermal energy’s benefits.
Geothermal Energy Will Always Be Available
Geothermal energy will always be available as long as nature remains undisturbed. Unlike other energy sources like solar energy, geothermal energy is not impacted by the weather, seasons, and climate.
Research organisations like the Centre of Sustainable Systems predict that geothermal plants will generate 47.7 billion kWh of electricity by 2050 (Center for Sustainable Systems), up from 16 billion kWh in 2021.
Geothermal energy production can be forecast and planned based on these predictions.
It Is an Environmentally-friendly Renewable Energy Source
Geothermal energy’s carbon footprint is minimal and considered environmentally friendly. Geothermal plants do not need fossil fuels to generate electricity; however, these manufacturing plants release minuscule amounts of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
The carbon footprint is so small that a geothermal power plant releases 99 percent less carbon monoxide than power plants using fossil fuel and natural gas to produce electricity.
Geothermal energy is also considered exceptionally helpful in the fight against global warming.
It Is A Stable Source of Energy
Unlike other renewable energy sources like wind and solar electricity, geothermal energy is considered a stable and reliable energy source. The reason is that it remains largely untapped and can be used at any time.
As previously mentioned, geothermal power generation is predictable, making it an incredible source of reliable energy. This type of energy resource does not fluctuate like solar or wind energy.
It is also highly possible to predict a geothermal plant’s energy output with precision due to its high accuracy in producing power.
It Is a Renewable and Sustainable Source of Electricity
Geothermal reservoirs naturally replenish themselves regularly since they are made of natural mineral deposits and resources, making geothermal energy a renewable energy source.
That said, renewable energy sources are also considered sustainable sources of electricity. Unlike conventional energy sources like coal and fossil fuels, geothermal energy can sustain its consumption rate.
Geothermal Energy Has the Potential For Growth
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, global energy consumption is accounted for by 17 terawatts from renewable and fossil fuels combined. By a considerable margin, atmospheric energy outweighs that in the ground. Despite this fact, geothermal energy is still significantly inconvenient or expensive to access.
There is a range of estimates for the potential power output of geothermal power plants. Globally, geothermal power plants generate just 12.7 gigawatts (GW) of power, and geothermal heating plants generate slightly more than 28 GW. As a result, geothermal energy has a lot of growth potential.
Suitable for Heating and Cooling
To generate electricity, geothermal power plants need water heated to 150 degrees Celsius, and a less complicated application of geothermal energy can be found in HVAC systems. Using geothermal HVAC, you can heat and cool your home using ground energy.
A geothermal HVAC system allows you to use free and renewable geothermal energy for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The ground source heat pump and geothermal HVAC are part of a geothermal heating system.
With the installation of a ground source heat pump, you can heat and cool your home simultaneously. How it works is the liquid passing through the loops of your geothermal heat pump will collect heat from underground in the winter. This will result in the heat pump pulling the heat into your living space and using it to warm it.
Overall Reduce Energy Consumption
Energy specialists predict that geothermal energy will reduce the number of energy households and businesses will consume. They have already noticed the overall energy consumption is reduced by 30 percent because it does the boiler work.
Removing gas pumps and replacing them with ground heat pumps will allow households to heat water, which will only be a reality in 2030.
The upfront costs of geothermal energy are high, but the long-term investment can reduce the cost. There are more than 20 countries that use geothermal energy, with the United States being the major country with the most geothermal power plants.
As a sustainable renewable energy source, geothermal energy could solve high energy prices and the fight against climate change.