Geothermal Power as Alternative Energy
Geothermal energy as a form of green energy falls into two distinct sub-topics. One is its use to provide a heating source because of the heat differential between the ground and surrounding ambient temperature, which enables heat pumps to work and generate heat. This principle already exists today in certain applications of domestic heating and makes this form of geothermal heating very efficient for domesticand office use.
The other form of geothermal energy is deep-mining and direct exploitation of magma and subterreanean steam, which is still a largely un-explored source of green energy and in which arguments for and against it are still largely conjectural.
In theory subterranean Geothermal energy is an untapped area of tremendous alternative energy potential, as it simply converts the energy being naturally produced by the Earth itself into electricity. Vast amounts of power are present below the surface crust on which we move and live. All we need do is tap into it and harness it.
The temperature of the Earths' core is 60 times greater than the boiling-point of water. This tremendous heat and pressure is a huge energy source at work only a few miles beneath our feet. Superheated fluids in the form of magma of which we see the power and energy each time they show a volcanic eruption on TV await exploitation an alternative energy. Magma also heats subterranean water which breaks surface in the form of steam from Geysers or vents.
The science in geothermal energy exploitation is in the access, capture and containment of superheated steam or magma. This implies creation of vents and containment areas for steam and magma. The science to convert this heat into energy (e.g. via water and steam to drive turbines) does not need specific reinvention.
Counter-arguments against geothermal energy are the entry costs into this area of green energy which make it unviable except in the very long term (so finding investors would prove hard). Study and research into a suitable "mining" area; the costs of development of the mining and containment technologies; construction of the conversion plant; disposal of the magma and any other ancillary products that come up from the ground with it; longevity of the plant itself are all arguments presently fielded against geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy mining is still underexplored and conjectural to the point we cannot yet say if it is a viable commercial source of green energy. The theory is good enough: the energy-efficiency of electricity and heat produced from geothermal energy would be extremely efficient and costs required to exploit it once a plant were in place, theoretically low. However the cost of set-up are still considered to be the biggest factors weighing against it. It is, however, an energy source that (in human terms) will last for ever (i.e. long-term low cost) and which is ubiquitous (i.e. less likley to become political) . The question is how to mine it cheaply enough to make it worthwhile.
About the Author: Mike Howard, Director of Green Energy (Eu) is a rapidly-emerging expert in the field of Green Energy and power-saving electrical products for the home and office. With more than twenty years experience in top-end building Mike is sole UK distributor of the renowned Redwell Infrared Heating systems.
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