geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is the heat from the Earth. It's clean and sustainable.

In 1904, Italian scientist Piero Ginori Conti invented the first geothermal electric power plant in which steam was used to generate the power.

Geothermal energy is called renewable source of energy because heat is continuously produced inside the earth.

Geothermal systems occur where circulating groundwater is heated and rises as a column of hot water to the surface.

The hot water from beneath the earth produces dry steam which is separated into steam and water, and the dry steam is used to spin turbines. The spinning of the turbines generates electricity.

Before its use for electricity generation was discovered, it was used for heating swimor heating.Today, people use the geothermally heated hot water in swimming pools and in health spas.

Where is it found?

• U.S geothermal resources are located in the West
• Some in Alaska and Hawaii.
• The majority of geothermal power is produced in California.
• Many projects are developing in nearly 15 states.

enviromental issues

• Removes heat from natural reservoirs which causes land to sink
• Ht springs, mud pools can be irreparably damaged
• Geothermal fluid contain arsenic, mercury that pollute waterways
• Also contain dissolved gasses which are released into atmosphere
• A great danger is arsenic pollution

How much does it cost?

• Drilling and installing has a high cost.
• Maintenance costs are low.
• There are no fuel costs at all.
• This energy is sold at .03-.035 per killowatt

The Department of Energy estimates that EGS could produce at least 100,000 megawatts of electricity within 50 years.