Geothermal EnergyGeothermal energy is a form of renewable and sustainable energy. The source of the energy is the earth; more specifically the heat from the earth. Geothermal energy, as a sustainable energy source, transforms heat from the earth into a 24-hour a day, clean energy source.
Geothermal energy is obtained through a variety of applications and types of resources. “Scientists estimate that around 42,000,000 megawatts of power flow from the earth’s interior” (Geothermal Basics). The earth’s core is expected to stay consistently around 42 million megawatts for billions of years, making it an endless resource of energy. Geothermal energy is primarily accessed through geothermal wells tapping into reservoirs of geothermal energy trapped in the earth’s surface. The most active geothermal energy is found around the area known as “Ring OF Fire.” The Ring of Fire rims the Pacific Ocean and cross Japan, the Philippines, North America, Central America to South America. Geothermal energy initially costs a lot of money due to the high cost of construction of geothermal wells and power plants. However, the stability and availability of geothermal energy causes a lower price tag in the long run. Recently utilities were required to purchase least-cost electricity. Federal and state energy and environmental agencies are studying ways to give preference or nonpolluting source of energy like geothermal energy. |