Geothermal exploration is a branch of geology dedicated to the discovery of potential geothermal energy sources. The goal of geothermal exploration is to find sites that can be used consistently for energy generation in the future, as well as to assess their suitability for geothermal development. Many countries have invested in geothermal energy as a renewable, zero-emissions energy source that could help to replace more polluting and non-sustainable energy sources such as petroleum and coal.
Geothermal energy taps into the immense heat beneath the Earth’s crust to harness the Earth’s natural power. Geothermal energy is one of the oldest forms of energy in use, having been used for centuries to heat buildings, cook, and prepare baths in China, North America, and parts of Europe. The primary advantage of this energy source, according to modern researchers, is that it is renewable, as the Earth’s core constantly generates more heat, and it produces no emissions.
Natural hot springs and steam are used to power turbines that generate electricity in some geothermal power plants. Water may also be injected into the Earth’s crust in geologically active areas so that steam can be trapped and used to power turbines. People can also use the energy directly for heating, as is done in places like Iceland, where geothermal power is used to heat buildings.
It’s not as simple as walking down the street and looking for a large volcano or hot spring to tap into geothermal energy. To justify the cost of building a power plant, geologists must find areas that are consistently geologically active, as well as consider the environmental impact of energy production. Dedicating water to geothermal production, for example, may not be feasible in areas with limited water supplies. Similarly, injecting water into the Earth’s crust can result in soil instability, which is not desirable. In geothermal exploration, all of these factors must be considered.
While many people support geothermal exploration, it is not without its detractors. People argue that geothermal energy has a number of drawbacks, including the fact that hot spots in the Earth’s crust eventually cool. Power plants are also unattractive, and putting in the infrastructure to move the electricity around can be time-consuming and counterproductive. When energy must be transported over long distances from a power plant, a lot of energy and resources are wasted. Some people are opposed to geothermal exploration because they are concerned about the environment or because they dislike the idea of a private company profiting from natural resources.