Can Geothermal Energy be Depleted
Geothermal energy is considered to be a renewable energy source. Geothermal energy is found within the earth’s core, created by the earth’s origination, as well as solar rays which continually strike the planet’s surface. Geothermal energy is very different from thermal energy which is manifested by molecular changes in temperature.
Geothermal energy has a long history, initially being used in Roman Times and still being used in the Middle East today. In the past, geothermal energy was used for space heating and bathing. Currently, electric geothermal energy is used for district heating, space heating, spas, industrial processes, and industrial applications.
Geothermal power is considered extremely cost effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Previously, geothermal energy was limited to tectonic plate boundaries. More recently, this technology has been expanded to larger spaces.
Most renewable energies do not release greenhouse gases, however geothermal energy does have the tendency to release greenhouse gases that are trapped beneath the earth’s surface. However, they release much smaller amounts of greenhouse gases than that of conventional fossil fuels. Geothermal energy therefore lessens global warming when used in lieu of fossil fuels. By merely using the energy the earth naturally and continuously generates, it is not depleted. Solar energy is continuously being applied to geothermal energy, adding even more length to its already infinite life.
Geothermal energy has a low impact on the environment. While the energy released from the earth does carry carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other mixtures of gases with them, geothermal energy is still low on the scale of pollutant energies. Many geothermal plants are equipped with emissions-controlling systems, which can reduce emission intensity as well as exhaust from the various gases. By emitting minimal pollutants, it does little to the world and to the atmosphere.
Hot water from geothermal sources may also have trace amounts of dangerous minerals and elements, including mercury, arsenic, and antimony. The disposal of these things in rivers renders the water unsafe to drink for humans as well as animals. Many geothermal plants inject these substances back into the earth. This is considered to be carbon capture and storage.
Around seventy countries use geothermal heating. This includes both space heating and energy for heating pools. Industrial and agricultural applications also use geothermal energy. Use of geothermal heat pumps increases by about ten percent annually.
The direct application of geothermal heating is much more efficient than the use of geothermal energy used for electricity generation. Direct applications have less demanding temperature requirements and are also much more viable over a larger geographical range. Natural hot springs allow for water to be pumped directly into radiators. Earth tubes and down-hole heat exchangers can also be used without a heat pump. Heat can be extracted via geothermal heat pumps more efficiently than it can be generated by conventional furnaces.
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