What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is the energy in the form of the heat of the earth. Geothermal energy is processed as follows:

• Extraction of water.
• Treatment of water to remove impurities.
• Heat exchange mainly for heating water.
• Disposal of energy for end use.

Geothermal energy involves pumping of water from deep inside the earth.

The following are the advantages of using geothermal energy:

1. It is a clean and unlimited source of energy.
2. Geothermal energy is sustainable.
3. It is a renewable source of energy.
4. This source of energy is not affected by weather in any way.
5. It does not cause any pollution.
6. Geothermal energy does not emit carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases.
7. The amount of electricity generated by geothermal energy is sufficient enough to light a whole town.
8. The use of geothermal energy has no adverse affects on the environment.
9. Geothermal energy generation does not use coal, gas or oil.

Disadvantages of geothermal energy are:

1. It cannot be harnessed everywhere because hot rocks are not present at all places under the earth’s surface.
2. Drilling for geothermal energy is an expensive and time consuming process.
3. Small amounts of nitric oxide and sulphur oxide are present in geothermal energy.
4. Power plants that run on geothermal energy may cause noise pollution.

With the ever increasing costs of fuels all around the world, geothermal energy presents itself as a reliable, cost effective and consistent source of energy. Without geothermal energy, it is almost impossible to meet the future energy needs of the world.