Geothermal power is energy generated by heat stored in the earth – usually reservoirs of vaporised water (steam) are used to power turbines + generators which results in electricity.

Geothermal Energy History

Geothermal steam and hot springs have been used by humans for centuries. It wasn’t until the 20th century that geothermal power started being used to make electricity.

Prince Ginori Conti tested the first geothermal power generator on 4 July 1904, in Italy. He successfuly lit four light bulbs. In 1911, the world’s first geothermal power plant was built there.

The first Geothermal power plant in the United States was made in 1922. It was used to power a hotel, which in the end generated enough electricity to meet the demands of the resort.

In the ’60s, Pacific Gas and Electric built the first “successful” geothermal power plant in the United States at The Geysers. The original turbine installed produced 11 MW net power. The Geysers currently produces over 750 MW of power.

Diagram of Geothermal EnergyPros and Cons of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy offers a fair amount of advantages over fossil fuel. Firstly it requires no fuel – Secondly very limited emissions of undesirable substances are released.

It is also scalable and sustainable since the heat extraction is small compared to the size of the heat reservoir.

Geothermal power plants are also unaffected by changing weather conditions – since the steam springs are located beneath the surface.

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

The costs would be astronomical (just like all renewable energy these days , check out the DIY BioDiesel Recipe).

Engineering wise it is a pain in the ass. Maintanence costs would be huge – this is due to the corrosive effect of geothermal fluid.

The surrounding landscape of geothermal plants are subject to heavy change – mainly because of the injection of steam back into the springs.

Long term wise the amount of geothermal energy available in an area will decrease.

Geothermal Energy – Potential? No. Not the kind we need right now – Perhaps for the future.