What are the limitations of harnessing geothermal energy?
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answer1))))))Typically, there are two types of “geothermal” energy people talk about. The first is what Iceland has capitalized on: Geothermal Power. This is where we use the heat of the Earth to drive heat engines which produce electricity. This is a very good source of power because the source of energy is abundant, the heat engines are very efficient, and the technology is well-established.
The second type of “geothermal” energy people talk about is ground source heat systems. These are typically a replacement for a typical (gas-fired, or electric) HVAC system. These units are highly efficient, and extract energy from the ground to pump into your house (or building). These typically need a lot of careful planning (to size the heat pump, the duct system, the ground loop system, etc.) and a lot of work to get installed. That means you are going to pay a lot, up front, for this system. The system will usually pay for itself, but not for many years (ranging between 10–20 year pay back). So, the limitation on this system is just how deep your pocketbook goes.
Also keep in mind, that the ground source systems are best suited to work in climates that have both a warm and a cold season. This allows the system to heat up during the warm season, and cool down during the cold season. In a desert climate you would be continually heating the ground and eventually this would destroy the efficiency of your system.
answer2)))))))Potential emissions – Greenhouse gas below Earth’s surface can potentially migrate to the surface and into the atmosphere. Such emissions tend to be higher near geothermal power plants, which are associated with sulfur dioxide and silica emissions. Also, and the reservoirs can contain traces of toxic heavy metals including mercury, arsenic and boron.
Surface Instability – Construction of geothermal power plants can affect the stability of land. In January 1997, the construction of a geothermal power plant in Switzerland triggered an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale.
High cost for electricity – Total costs usually end up somewhere between $2 – 7 million for a 1 MW geothermal power plant.
High up-front costs for heating and cooling systems – While there is a predictable ROI, it will not happen quickly.For an average sized home, installation of geothermal heat pumps costs between $10,000 – $20,000 which can pay off itself in another 5-10 years down the line
Location Specific – Good geothermal reservoirs are hard to come by. Iceland and Philippines meet nearly one-third of their electricity demand with geothermal energy. Prime sites are often far from population centers.
Distribution costs – If geothermal energy is transported long distances, cost can become prohibitive.
Sustainability questions – Some studies show that reservoirs can be depleted if the fluid is removed faster than replaced. This is not an issue for residential geothermal heating and cooling, where geothermal energy is being used differently than in geothermal power plants.
Cost of Powering the Pump – Geothermal heat pumps need a power source.
May Run Out of Steam: You have to be incredibly careful when you are trying to check everything that is related to geothermal energy. Mind must be taken to watch the heat and not to abuse it, because if the heat is not taken care of properly, it can cause a meltdown or other issues where the energy is not properly distributed or used
The second type of “geothermal” energy people talk about is ground source heat systems. These are typically a replacement for a typical (gas-fired, or electric) HVAC system. These units are highly efficient, and extract energy from the ground to pump into your house (or building). These typically need a lot of careful planning (to size the heat pump, the duct system, the ground loop system, etc.) and a lot of work to get installed. That means you are going to pay a lot, up front, for this system. The system will usually pay for itself, but not for many years (ranging between 10–20 year pay back). So, the limitation on this system is just how deep your pocketbook goes.
Also keep in mind, that the ground source systems are best suited to work in climates that have both a warm and a cold season. This allows the system to heat up during the warm season, and cool down during the cold season. In a desert climate you would be continually heating the ground and eventually this would destroy the efficiency of your system.
answer2)))))))Potential emissions – Greenhouse gas below Earth’s surface can potentially migrate to the surface and into the atmosphere. Such emissions tend to be higher near geothermal power plants, which are associated with sulfur dioxide and silica emissions. Also, and the reservoirs can contain traces of toxic heavy metals including mercury, arsenic and boron.
Surface Instability – Construction of geothermal power plants can affect the stability of land. In January 1997, the construction of a geothermal power plant in Switzerland triggered an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale.
High cost for electricity – Total costs usually end up somewhere between $2 – 7 million for a 1 MW geothermal power plant.
High up-front costs for heating and cooling systems – While there is a predictable ROI, it will not happen quickly.For an average sized home, installation of geothermal heat pumps costs between $10,000 – $20,000 which can pay off itself in another 5-10 years down the line
Location Specific – Good geothermal reservoirs are hard to come by. Iceland and Philippines meet nearly one-third of their electricity demand with geothermal energy. Prime sites are often far from population centers.
Distribution costs – If geothermal energy is transported long distances, cost can become prohibitive.
Sustainability questions – Some studies show that reservoirs can be depleted if the fluid is removed faster than replaced. This is not an issue for residential geothermal heating and cooling, where geothermal energy is being used differently than in geothermal power plants.
Cost of Powering the Pump – Geothermal heat pumps need a power source.
May Run Out of Steam: You have to be incredibly careful when you are trying to check everything that is related to geothermal energy. Mind must be taken to watch the heat and not to abuse it, because if the heat is not taken care of properly, it can cause a meltdown or other issues where the energy is not properly distributed or used
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