Geothermal energy: an underestimated energy source

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in Geothermie Die Suche nach alternativen, nachhaltigen und umweltschonenden Energiequellen hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich an Bedeutung gewonnen. Ein Konzept, das in diesem Zusammenhang oft diskutiert, aber dennoch häufig unterschätzt wird, ist die Geothermie. Dabei handelt es sich um die Nutzung der in der Erde gespeicherten Wärme als Energiequelle. Definition und Funktionsweise der Geothermie Die Geothermie, auch als Erdwärme bezeichnet, ist die Nutzung der im Inneren der Erde gespeicherten Wärme. Diese Wärme entsteht durch natürliche Prozesse, insbesondere die radioaktive Zerfallsprozesse von Elementen wie Uran, Thorium und Kalium. Die durch diese Prozesse erzeugte Wärme dringt langsam zur Erdoberfläche und kann …
Geothermal energy: an underestimated energy source (Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

in geothermal energy

The search for alternatives, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources has become significantly more important in recent decades. A concept that is often discussed in this context but is often underestimated is geothermal energy. This is the use of the heat stored in the earth as an energy source.

definition and functionality of the geothermal energy

The geothermal energy, also referred to as geothermal energy, is the use of the heat stored inside the earth. This heat arises from natural processes, in particular the radioactive decay processes of elements such as uranium, thorium and potassium.

The heat generated by these processes slowly penetrates the surface of the earth and can be used there in different forms - as direct heat energy or for electricity generation by converting the thermal energy into electrical energy.

thermal energy

When using the geothermal thermal energy directly, the temperature of the interior of the earth is used to heat buildings or to produce warm water. This can be realized on different ones, for example through geothermal probes, geothermal collectors or geothermal drilling.

power generation

For electricity generation, the heat from deeper layers of earth is usually required, which have higher temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius or more. Here either water or other fluids are heated here, which serve as a work fluid in thermal power machines. The hot fluids then drive a turbogenerer that generates electricity.

advantages of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy has many advantages that make it an attractive alternative energy source. Here are some of the most important advantages.

sustainability

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source. It is constantly being created by natural processes and is therefore practically inexhaustible. This makes it a sustainable option for energy generation.

Independence of weather conditions

Compared to other renewable energies, such as wind and solar energy, Geothermal energy has the advantage that it is independent of weather conditions. The geothermal energy is accessible at any time, regardless of day and night times, as well as annual or weather conditions.

CO₂ savings

If the geothermal energy were used to a larger scale, considerable amounts of greenhouse gas emissions could be saved. By using the geothermal energy, no carbon dioxide is released, as is the case with the combustion of fossil fuels.

challenges and disadvantages of geothermal energy

Despite its many advantages, the geothermal energy also has some challenges and disadvantages.

costs and technical challenges

The use of geothermal energy is technically demanding and associated with considerable costs. The drilling of deep wells in particular is technically complex and therefore expensive. In addition, the location for the use of geothermal energy is of great importance. The geothermal activity is not equally pronounced everywhere on earth, which restricts the location selection.

Environmental pollution

Although geothermal energy is considered clean energy, it can also have negative effects on the environment. For example, emissions can occur during the drilling process. In addition, there is a risk of small earthquakes, since the pressure in the underground is changed by removing the thermal energy.

summary

Geothermal energy is considered a promising energy source with great potential worldwide. It offers sustainable, reliable energy that is available regardless of weather and time of day. However, considerable investments and technological progress are still required to expand geothermal energy. Nevertheless, geothermal energy is a fascinating and promising area that definitely deserves more attention.

geothermal energy is a practically inexhaustible source of energy that has the potential to make a significant contribution to solving our energy problems by offering us a sustainable and reliable source of energy. It is time to fully exploit the potential of the geothermal energy and to put this often underestimated energy source at the center of our efforts for sustainable energy future. Nevertheless, we should not ignore your challenges and strive to find suitable solutions for it.