Disadvantages of geothermal energy and thermal energy.
Disadvantages of geothermal energy and thermal energy.
What are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy? However, there are always two sides of the coin so let’s have a look at the cons of geothermal energy:
1. Environmental Concerns about Greenhouse Emissions Unfortunately, no matter its reputation of being an environmentally friendly alternative energy source, geothermal energy also causes some minor concerns in regards to the environment.
The extraction of geothermal energy from the grounds leads to a release of greenhouse gases like hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia. However, the amount of gas released is significantly lower than in the case of fossil fuels.
2. Possibility of Depletion of Geothermal Sources Furthermore, despite being considered a sustainable and renewable energy, the chances are that specific locations might cool down after time, making it impossible to harvest more geothermal energy in future.
The only non-depletable option is sourcing geothermal energy right from magma but the technology for doing so is still in the process of development. This option is worth the investment mainly thanks to the fact that magma will be around for billions of years.
3. High Investment Costs for Geothermal System Another disadvantage is the high initial cost for individual households. The need for drilling and installing quite a complex system into one’s home makes the price climb quite high. Nevertheless, the return on such investment is very promising, being able to earn the investment back within 2 to 10 years.
4. Land Requirements for Geothermal System to Be Installed In case of geothermal systems, having a piece of land next to the house is required in order to be able to install one. That makes geothermal systems hard to be implemented for homeowners in big cities, unless a vertical ground source heat pump is used.
Disadvantages of thermal energy:-
Financial Costs One of the primary advantages of thermal power is that the generation costs are extremely low. No fuel is needed to generate the power, and the minimal energy needed to pump water to the Earth's surface can be taken from the total energy yield. Even considering transport, geothermal energy is estimated to save 80 percent of the costs associated with fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. The principal financial disadvantage of a geothermal system is its high initial installation costs. The longer a plant is operational, the more it pays for itself in the long run.
Environmental Impact Thermal power is revered by environmental activists because it is completely renewable, does not use fuel to produce power and has virtually no emissions. It also helps reduce global warming and pollution and requires far less land than a coal mine or oil field. The only environmental disadvantage is the occasional release of harmful gases. Since thermal power operates by drilling into the Earth's mantle, some poisonous gases can escape. These gases can be a danger to plant workers, who must wear protective equipment, but have little impact once dispersed into the atmosphere.
Job Creation and Hazards Thermal power facilities create a number of jobs for local communities. Researchers, scientists and drilling workers are among the specialists needed for safe and effective operations. Disadvantages in this area involve limited workplace hazards, such as crystalline silica dust and exposure to extremely hot steam and water mains. Fortunately, these dangers are minimal, especially compared to other energy industries, like fossil fuels.
Location A main disadvantage of thermal power plants is that they can only be constructed in areas where temperatures below the Earth's surface allow for the production of steam over a long period of time. The type of rock in the region must also be easy to drill through. Extensive research is needed to find these key areas; and because of their rarity, plants are sometimes forced to operate in relatively remote regions. Both of these factors contribute to the high initial cost of starting up a geothermal facility.
Long-term Viability and Risks In areas where there is long-term steam production, thermal plants can thrive and produce many megawatts of clean, renewable power. In these scenarios, plants quickly recoup initial costs. However, environmental factors can sometimes lead to a reduction in steam in a region, forcing companies to take the risk of potentially losing their investment. Lack of equipment or qualified personnel and the relative financial security of fossil fuel extraction by comparison serve as an added disadvantage, hampering the continued expansion of thermal power.
However, there are always two sides of the coin so let’s have a look at the cons of geothermal energy:
1. Environmental Concerns about Greenhouse EmissionsUnfortunately, no matter its reputation of being an environmentally friendly alternative energy source, geothermal energy also causes some minor concerns in regards to the environment.
The extraction of geothermal energy from the grounds leads to a release of greenhouse gases like hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia. However, the amount of gas released is significantly lower than in the case of fossil fuels.
2. Possibility of Depletion of Geothermal SourcesFurthermore, despite being considered a sustainable and renewable energy, the chances are that specific locations might cool down after time, making it impossible to harvest more geothermal energy in future.
The only non-depletable option is sourcing geothermal energy right from magma but the technology for doing so is still in the process of development. This option is worth the investment mainly thanks to the fact that magma will be around for billions of years.
3. High Investment Costs for Geothermal SystemAnother disadvantage is the high initial cost for individual households. The need for drilling and installing quite a complex system into one’s home makes the price climb quite high. Nevertheless, the return on such investment is very promising, being able to earn the investment back within 2 to 10 years.
4. Land Requirements for Geothermal System to Be InstalledIn case of geothermal systems, having a piece of land next to the house is required in order to be able to install one. That makes geothermal systems hard to be implemented for homeowners in big cities, unless a vertical ground source heat pump is used.
Disadvantages of thermal energy:-
One of the primary advantages of thermal power is that the generation costs are extremely low. No fuel is needed to generate the power, and the minimal energy needed to pump water to the Earth's surface can be taken from the total energy yield. Even considering transport, geothermal energy is estimated to save 80 percent of the costs associated with fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. The principal financial disadvantage of a geothermal system is its high initial installation costs. The longer a plant is operational, the more it pays for itself in the long run.
Environmental ImpactThermal power is revered by environmental activists because it is completely renewable, does not use fuel to produce power and has virtually no emissions. It also helps reduce global warming and pollution and requires far less land than a coal mine or oil field. The only environmental disadvantage is the occasional release of harmful gases. Since thermal power operates by drilling into the Earth's mantle, some poisonous gases can escape. These gases can be a danger to plant workers, who must wear protective equipment, but have little impact once dispersed into the atmosphere.
Job Creation and HazardsThermal power facilities create a number of jobs for local communities. Researchers, scientists and drilling workers are among the specialists needed for safe and effective operations. Disadvantages in this area involve limited workplace hazards, such as crystalline silica dust and exposure to extremely hot steam and water mains. Fortunately, these dangers are minimal, especially compared to other energy industries, like fossil fuels.
LocationA main disadvantage of thermal power plants is that they can only be constructed in areas where temperatures below the Earth's surface allow for the production of steam over a long period of time. The type of rock in the region must also be easy to drill through. Extensive research is needed to find these key areas; and because of their rarity, plants are sometimes forced to operate in relatively remote regions. Both of these factors contribute to the high initial cost of starting up a geothermal facility.
Long-term Viability and RisksIn areas where there is long-term steam production, thermal plants can thrive and produce many megawatts of clean, renewable power. In these scenarios, plants quickly recoup initial costs. However, environmental factors can sometimes lead to a reduction in steam in a region, forcing companies to take the risk of potentially losing their investment. Lack of equipment or qualified personnel and the relative financial security of fossil fuel extraction by comparison serve as an added disadvantage, hampering the continued expansion of thermal power.
