Geothermal renewable energy is a type of energy that harnesses the Earth’s natural power to provide useful energy to people, most commonly in the form of electricity. Although this type of energy is known to have numerous advantages, it may not be the best option in all circumstances. Nonetheless, geothermal renewable energy is one of those products that generates a lot of media attention.
Though it may not appear so to the casual observer, the Earth is a very geologically active body. Plates are constantly shifting, causing fissures in the surface where heat from beneath the crust can escape. Geothermal renewable energy tries to take advantage of this by putting plants in specific locations that can convert the energy and send it to where it’s needed.
Geothermal renewable energy is a subset of a larger family of energy resources that are not only renewable but also environmentally friendly. This is because, in most cases, the only byproduct produced is steam. This steam vaporizes in the air, possibly remaining in the atmosphere but eventually re-entering the atmosphere as clean water. As a result, pollution is minimal.
Geothermal renewable energy, strictly speaking, is not a renewable energy source. Instead, once energy is released, captured, and converted, it transforms into a form that is difficult to recapture. It is, however, renewable in that the energy source is nearly limitless. It is unlikely that the Earth will run out of heat in the foreseeable future, which means geothermal energy can be used as a source of energy indefinitely.
Geothermal renewable energy does, however, have its limitations. Power plants that use the source, for example, must be located near a point where heat can escape to the surface. The turbines can then be turned and electricity generated. While the distribution of heat beneath the Earth’s crust is nearly uniform, it is not so near the surface. As a result, while it may be a viable option in some cases, it will not be in others.
Geothermal energy may get in the way of a natural steam vent in some cases. In such cases, simply channeling steam to power a turbine is sufficient to generate electricity. In other cases, a chemical process may be required to generate steam. This may require more resources, but it does not contribute to air pollution.