Geothermal Power: Naturally Provided by the Earth

Studying geothermal energy technology should be a high priority. This a largely untapped source of huge alternative energy potential that simply utilizes the heat energy being produced naturally by the Earth itself. Vast amounts of power are available below the surface crust. All we need do is access and harness it.

At the Earths' core, the temperature is 60 times greater than that of boiling water. This tremendous heat creates pressures that contain massive amounts of energy only a couple of miles below the earth's surface. Superheated fluids in the form of magma express power and energy through volcanic activity. These fluids also seep to the surface and emerge from vents as steam.

How Is Geothermal Energy Harnessed?

Geothermal power can be utilized in several ways, the most common is from dry steam plants. Dry steam plants use geothermal energy under the Earth's crust and convert it into electricity. We can build our own vents and create containment chambers for the magma. This energy can then be converted into electricity to light and heat our homes. To create a geothermal power plant, a well is drilled where there is a good source of magma or heated fluid. Pipes are sunk into the source to allow the fluids to rise to the surface to produce steam. This steam turns a turbine engine, which generates electricity.

Critics are hindering large scale implementation of geothermal power. It is said that study and research to find the required sites as well as building the geothermal power plant is too costly. There are no guarantees that the plant will be profitable. Some geothermal sources might not produce enough steam for the power plant to be viable or reliable. Some environmentalists are concerned that bringing up magma could also bring potentially toxic materials with it.

Because of the potential tremendous benefits of geothermal power, further exploration should be undertaken. Geothermal power is simply the energy of the Earth and does not produce pollutants. Geothermal energy is exceedingly efficient. After a site is found and a plant is built, the work required to harness it are minimal. Also, geothermal plants do not need to be as large as electrical plants, giant dams, or atomic energy facilities. This means less impact on the environment.

Being an alternative form of energy means we would be that much less dependent on oil and coal. And, very importantly it is renewable. Geothermal energy would be very inexpensive after investigation and power plant building costs are recovered.

Geothermal energy is the future and together we can all make a difference by using renewable energy in place of oil and other resources.