Geothermal energy: An underestimated energy source

Geothermal energy: An underestimated energy source

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

Definition and functionality of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy, also known as geothermal energy, is the use of heat stored inside the earth. This heat is created by natural processes, particularly the radioactive decay processes of elements such as uranium, thorium and potassium.

The heat generated by these processes slowly penetrates to the earth's surface and can be used there in various forms - as direct thermal energy or to generate electricity by converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

thermal energy

With the direct use of geothermal heat energy, the temperature of the earth's interior is used to heat buildings or produce warm water. This can be implemented in various ways, such as geothermal probes, geothermal collectors or geothermal boreholes.

Electricity generation

Generating electricity usually requires heat from deeper layers of the earth, which have higher temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius or more. Here either water or other fluids are heated, which serve as the working fluid in heat engines. The hot fluids then drive a turbogenerator, which produces electricity.

Advantages of geothermal energy

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

sustainability

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source. It is constantly created through natural processes and is therefore practically inexhaustible. This makes them a sustainable option for energy production.

Independence from weather conditions

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

CO₂ savings

If geothermal energy were used on a larger scale, significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions could be saved. The use of geothermal energy does not release carbon dioxide, as is the case when burning fossil fuels.

Challenges and disadvantages of geothermal energy

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

Costs and technical challenges

The use of geothermal energy is technically demanding and involves considerable costs. Drilling deep wells in particular is technically complex and therefore expensive. The location is also very important for the use of geothermal energy. Geothermal activity is not equally strong everywhere on earth, which limits the choice of location.

Environmental impact

Although geothermal energy is considered clean energy, it can also have negative impacts on the environment. For example, emissions may occur during the drilling process. There is also a risk of small earthquakes because the pressure in the subsoil is changed by the extraction of thermal energy.

Summary

Geothermal energy is viewed worldwide as a promising energy source with great potential. It offers sustainable, reliable energy that is available regardless of the weather and time of day. However, significant investments and technological advances are still required to expand geothermal energy. Nonetheless, geothermal energy is a fascinating and promising field that definitely deserves more attention.

Geothermal energy is a virtually inexhaustible energy source that has the potential to make a significant contribution to solving our energy problems by providing us with a sustainable and reliable source of energy. It is time to realize the full potential of geothermal energy and put this often underestimated energy source at the center of our efforts towards a sustainable energy future. However, we should not ignore their challenges and strive to find appropriate solutions to them.