Geothermal energy is one of the most recommended sources of renewable energy for electricity. It is more useful especially in areas where there is a lot of volcanic activity. Since geothermal energy is extracted from deep within the earth’s surface, it is safe, clean, reliable, and environment friendly. However, despite all these advantages, this type of energy suffers from its disadvantages as explained below.
Disadvantages of geothermal energy
Location
It’s not easy to find the most appropriate geothermal reservoirs. This type of power is only suitable for areas which have hot rocks beneath the earth surface and can produce steam over a long period of time. Extraction of this power also requires the usage of a great amount of water. Therefore, …show more content…
Unlike oil, wood, coal or electricity, this type of energy cannot be transported over long distances. They are only useful in the areas that surround the power plant. It’s not recommended to move this energy as poisonous substances might be released into the atmosphere.
Sustainability problems
Sustainability issues are one of the cons of geothermal energy. During heavy rains, water leaks through the earth’s surface and eventually into the geothermal reservoirs. With time these reservoirs might cool down, making them unable to produce geothermal energy in future. Researchers have shown that geothermal reservoirs can be washed-out if the fluid is removed quicker than replaced. Geothermal energy can be sustainable if the reservoirs are managed properly. This is not a problem for residential geothermal use, where geothermal power is being used differently when compared to geothermal power plants.
Not a popular source of …show more content…
Unfortunately, there is no way that one can prevent this from happening. What’s more, this shut-off can last for some years, causing some serious problems to the people who depend on this energy.
Cost
One of the main disadvantages of geothermal energy would be the cost of constructing a power plant. Geothermal plants are one of the most expensive plants to build. You need to hire the services of professional scientists to come and inspect the area and see if it would be suitable for a power plant. This can take several years as they also need to figure out if the area is suitable for drilling and if it will produce enough heat to power the plant. In addition, there is the cost of construction.
The bottom line
Geothermal energy might seem to be the best source of power since it’s reliable, renewable and sustainable; however, it comes with some other serious effects. It’s also wise to note that geothermal energy can cause some serious environmental issues. In addition, it’s very expensive to set up a geothermal power plant and you must find an area that has a lot of
Disadvantages of geothermal energy
Location
It’s not easy to find the most appropriate geothermal reservoirs. This type of power is only suitable for areas which have hot rocks beneath the earth surface and can produce steam over a long period of time. Extraction of this power also requires the usage of a great amount of water. Therefore, …show more content…
Unlike oil, wood, coal or electricity, this type of energy cannot be transported over long distances. They are only useful in the areas that surround the power plant. It’s not recommended to move this energy as poisonous substances might be released into the atmosphere.
Sustainability problems
Sustainability issues are one of the cons of geothermal energy. During heavy rains, water leaks through the earth’s surface and eventually into the geothermal reservoirs. With time these reservoirs might cool down, making them unable to produce geothermal energy in future. Researchers have shown that geothermal reservoirs can be washed-out if the fluid is removed quicker than replaced. Geothermal energy can be sustainable if the reservoirs are managed properly. This is not a problem for residential geothermal use, where geothermal power is being used differently when compared to geothermal power plants.
Not a popular source of …show more content…
Unfortunately, there is no way that one can prevent this from happening. What’s more, this shut-off can last for some years, causing some serious problems to the people who depend on this energy.
Cost
One of the main disadvantages of geothermal energy would be the cost of constructing a power plant. Geothermal plants are one of the most expensive plants to build. You need to hire the services of professional scientists to come and inspect the area and see if it would be suitable for a power plant. This can take several years as they also need to figure out if the area is suitable for drilling and if it will produce enough heat to power the plant. In addition, there is the cost of construction.
The bottom line
Geothermal energy might seem to be the best source of power since it’s reliable, renewable and sustainable; however, it comes with some other serious effects. It’s also wise to note that geothermal energy can cause some serious environmental issues. In addition, it’s very expensive to set up a geothermal power plant and you must find an area that has a lot of