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What is geothermal energy? Write its disadvantages.

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What is geothermal energy? Write its disadvantages.


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The heat energy present inside the earths surface is called geothermal energy. The main disadvantages of this type of energy are : 

  1. To make a geothermal plant deep drilling is needed which is a difficult task.
  2. The steam used to rotate turbine loose heat into the atmosphere which causes global warming. 

Geothermal energy is heat within the earth. The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because heat is continuously produced inside the earth. People use geothermal heat for bathing, to heat buildings, and to generate electricity.The geothermal cooling process is very similar to the way an air conditioner or air-source heat pump works. Heat is absorbed from the air inside the home and moved away. While air conditioners and air-source heat pumps release heat into the air outside, a geothermal heat pump uses the ground as its heat sink.

Most of the people in Iceland and over 500,000 people in France use geothermal heat for their public buildings, schools, and homes. In the United States, geothermal heat pumps are used in 45 states to heat and cool homes and buildings.A Geyser is an example of Geothermal energy. Hot springs, lava, and fumaroles are natural examples of geothermal energy. Geothermal power is currently more common in homes and businesses, using geothermal heat pumps to control the temperature in the building.

What are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy?
  • Environmental Concerns about Greenhouse Emissions. ...
  • Possibility of Depletion of Geothermal Sources. ...
  • High Investment Costs for Geothermal System. ...
  • Land Requirements for Geothermal System to Be Installed.

Geothermal plants can release small amounts of greenhouse gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Water that flows through underground reservoirs can pick up trace amounts of toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury, and selenium.

 

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