List the advantages and limitations of geothermal energy
Answers
1. Geothermal Energy Sourcing Is Good for the Environment
2. Geothermal Is a Reliable Source of Renewable Energy
3. High Efficiency of Geothermal Systems
4. Little to No Geothermal System Maintenance
What are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy?
However, there are always two sides of the coin so let’s have a look at the cons of geothermal energy:
1. Environmental Concerns about Greenhouse Emissions
Unfortunately, no matter its reputation of being an environmentally friendly alternative energy source, geothermal energy also causes some minor concerns in regards to the environment.
The extraction of geothermal energy from the grounds leads to a release of greenhouse gases like hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia. However, the amount of gas released is significantly lower than in the case of fossil fuels.
2. Possibility of Depletion of Geothermal Sources
Furthermore, despite being considered a sustainable and renewable energy, the chances are that specific locations might cool down after time, making it impossible to harvest more geothermal energy in future.
The only non-depletable option is sourcing geothermal energy right from magma but the technology for doing so is still in the process of development. This option is worth the investment mainly thanks to the fact that magma will be around for billions of years.
3. High Investment Costs for Geothermal System
Another disadvantage is the high initial cost for individual households. The need for drilling and installing quite a complex system into one’s home makes the price climb quite high. Nevertheless, the return on such investment is very promising, being able to earn the investment back within 2 to 10 years.
4. Land Requirements for Geothermal System to Be Installed
In case of geothermal systems, having a piece of land next to the house is required in order to be able to install one. That makes geothermal systems hard to be implemented for homeowners in big cities, unless a vertical ground source heat pump is used.
Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
What Types of Geothermal Systems Are there?
There is a number of different geothermal systems available. Which system to choose depends on a variety of factors such as soil conditions, climate, local installation costs on site and available land. There are two basic ground loop systems which further divide into several subgroups:
Please mark me as the brainliest