How is geothermal energy created and how does it work?
Water is sent through a steam turbine where thermal energy (heat) is converted to electricity with a generator. Geothermal power plants, use stem produced from reservoirs of hot water found 1 to 2 miles below the surface of the Earth.
Costs to install?
$20,000-$25,000
Benefits and drawbacks of geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is renewable energy because once water or steam is used, it can be pumped back into the ground. It is also clean energy. Geothermal power plants, unlike plants that burn fossil fuels, do not produce greenhouse gases that can be harmful to the atmosphere.
Some drawbacks are potential emissions and ground instability.
Interesting Facts
Geothermal energy is made inside the Earth. The world geothermal comes from Greek words meaning 'Earth' (geo) and 'heat' (thermos). While the technology behind geothermal electricity generation has improved substantially, it still only provides a fraction of world electricity generation.
Sources
“Installation.” Geothermal Heat Pumps: Environmental Benefits and Efficiency, www.energyhomes.org/renewable-technology/geoinstallation.html.
“Geothermal Electricity Production .” RenewableEnergyWorld.com, www.renewableenergyworld.com/geothermal-energy/tech/geoelectricity.html.
“Geothermal Energy Facts.” PlanetSave, 2 Mar. 2016, planetsave.com/2016/02/16/geothermal-energy-facts/.
“Geothermal Electricity Production .” RenewableEnergyWorld.com, www.renewableenergyworld.com/geothermal-energy/tech/geoelectricity.html.
“Geothermal Energy Facts.” PlanetSave, 2 Mar. 2016, planetsave.com/2016/02/16/geothermal-energy-facts/.