Advantages of Geothermal Power
Geothermal power uses the heat from the earth’s core to create electricity. Most power plants use steam driven turbine to create electricity. This is the same in geothermal power plants. The heat from the earth is used to create steam or the steam that is directly released from the earth is used to drive the turbines. Geothermal power is used in 24 countries around the world and is considered to be a renewable and environmental friendly power source. The United States used the most geothermal energy with the geysers in California powering a total of 15 power plants. The Philippines and Indonesia also produce a large amount of geothermal power.
Advantages of Geothermal Power
- Geothermal power plants do admit some greenhouse gases, but they are far less than those produced by a fossil fuel power plant and they can be easily contained and neutralized.
- Geothermal power is highly sustainable as heat is continually produced by the earth and the mining of that heat will not run out.
- Geothermal power plants require very minimal land and water requirements to produce comparative amounts of power to a fossil fuel plant.
- They are very cost effective for countries as they do not require any fuel to be brought and requires little maintenance once the plant is constructed.
- Once an appropriate site is located the harnessing of geothermal energy is uncomplicated.
- Geothermal power can be used on a small scale to heat homes and offices and water.
- A geothermal power plant is self sustaining and the energy it produces can be used to power the mechanical components of the plant.
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