10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy with its Applications. 

Back to: UGC NET Paper 1- Unit 9

10 advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy with its Applications.

Geothermal energy is the thermal energy that is originated from the formation of planets. It is a renewable and sustainable energy that is infinitely available. Geothermal energy is the heat generated within the earth. The heat can be used for several useful purposes by humans. 

Some of applications of geothermal energy are as follows: 

• Electricity Production 

Geothermal energy produces electricity by generating electricity from the heat of earth. Geothermal power plants yields electricity in three manner for controlling the ways in which electricity is generated. 

• Heat Pumps 

Heat pumps utilise the earth’s deep surface temperature for heating and cooling. It warms the buildings in winter and cools them down in summer. 

• Direct Uses 

The direct uses of geothermal energy is using heated water from the ground. It’s other direct uses include cooking, industrial uses, milk pasteurisation, heating of someswimming pools, spas and greenhouses. 

Advantages of Geothermal Energy 

The 10 advantages of geothermal energy are the following: 

1). Geothermal energy is more environmental friendly than conventional fuels such as fossil fuels. It produces low carbon footprint and the pollution done by it is lesser than compared to fossil fuels. 

2). Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy that will last in plenty as long as the earth lasts. 

3). Geothermal energy is a reliable and stable source of energy unlike many other renewableenergy sources like solar and wind energy.

4). Geothermal energy does not require any fuel as it is a natural resource. 

5). It is easy to predict the power output with a high accuracy level. 

6). Several new technologies have been invented for the improvement and better utilisation of this energy which makes it a rapid evolution. 

7). One of its biggest advantage is it heats the buildings in winter and cools them down in summer. 

8). As it is an inexhaustible and sustainable source of energy there is no danger of its overuse and exhaustion. 

9). Geothermal energy can be used for several necessary purposes like cooking and for industrial uses. 

10). Geothermal energy is also a source of providing electricity. 

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Everything comes with it’s set of advantages and disadvantages. Geothermal energy has its disadvantages as well, which are:

1). The biggest disadvantage of geothermal energy is location restriction. Geothermal plants can be constructed only at places where the energy can be accessed. 

2). The areas where setting up of geothermal plants are not suitable cannot exploit and benefit from geothermal energy. 

3). It might have some environmental effects as during the digging it may release some gases stored under the earth’s surface into the atmosphere. 

4). The cost of manufacturing and operating thermal plants are high. 

5). The materials required for installation of thermal plants are expensive. 

6). Geothermal energy had the potential of triggering earthquakes which makes it risky. 

7). Geothermal plants requires high maintenance. 

8). For the sustainability of geothermal energy, energy fluid needs to be lumped back into the underground reservoirs. 

9). Geothermal plants uses a lot of water in its processes and can be a huge concern. 

10). The building of geothermal plants means destruction of biodiversity.