The Downsides Of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy has long been one of the alternative energy sources

. While it has become quite accepted that it is no longer new, one cannot say that it is the main energy source today. Geothermal energy has a lot of advantages. It is a clean source of energy. Geothermal energy has also long been established as a safe energy source. More so, it is perhaps one of the most cost effective energy sources.

On the other hand, much like most other things in this world, there is a downside to geothermal energy. To understand more about this, let us take a closer look at what geothermal energy is all about. The name, or label, itself indicates that this energy source has something to do with the earth the ground. This is due to the fact that the ground actually serves as a heat trap. During the time of the year when the sun beats its merciless rays onto the earths surface, the heat doesnt just dissipate. Instead, the earth absorbs the heat and stores it underneath the surface. Believe it or not, this heat is naturally stored underground even during the cold winter months! Heat is energy, and this stored energy can be tapped for more practical purposes. That is the essence of geothermal energy.

How is this energy tapped? The standard way of setting up a geothermal energy system is through the use of pipes lots of them. The idea of a geothermal system is to drill underground. Depending on the breadth and scope of the system, the trenches can be very very long and can be several meters deep. The pipes are laid out underground and are filled with water, which actually act to absorb the heat. The system also requires a heat pump, which can be likened to a refrigerator (except that it produces more heat). The ultimate result is HEAT lots of it.

It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out the disadvantages that can be associated with geothermal energy. One of the most glaring ones would be the space required for the piping system. For large scale operations, one would require an immense amount of space to accommodate the maze of large pipes. Even for small scale systems, the amount of effort may be enough to turn some people off. Speaking of pipes maintenance and repair may prove to be a slight problem. With a long network of pipes deep underground, repair work is not an easy task.

Another disadvantage may not be so obvious, but as you can read from above, a heat pump is required. Being similar to a refrigerator, it does require refrigerants and other similar material. It is common knowledge that these things are not exactly earth-friendly. More so it will still require electricity to run.

Geothermal energy has its disadvantages, but it is safe to say that these are minor as compared to the advantages that this energy source offers. The disadvantages of geothermal energy may very well be deemed negligible, all else considered.

by: Kalyan Kumar

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