by Nan C Avery

Created on: August 06, 2010

Geothermal heat, as an alternative source, is being discussed. This is not a new idea. In Italy, in 1903, geothermal power was first generated. Today, in the United States, we have more than 45 geothermal power plants.

Geothermal energy is using the earth's (geo) heat (therme) to generate electricity. The heat comes from the earth's fault lines (the location of earthquakes) in the crust and the location of volcanoes. These are the points in which the heat has to be collected. The reason thermal energy has to be obtained from these spots is because this is where magma (liquid rock) is closest to the earth's surface. There are not many geothermal plants because there are vast areas that are not near fault lines or volcanoes.

Although most reports on geothermal energy yield glowing reports about the benign effects of geothermal, there are some concerns. The following are the environmental concerns, which must be addressed before headlong rush into a new energy source.

1. In Turkey, Alper Baba, professor of geological engineering, reports that there are problems with geothermal heating including:

a. contamination of underground water;

b. temperature changes at ground level;

c. loss of groundwater;

d. the overall concern for living organisms – both water animals and plant life;

e. earthquakes

In answer to the above concerns, Louis Derry, geologist at Cornell University, recommends “closed loop systems are better”. This method keeps the water recirculating.

Baba answers this argument by writing that closed loop systems can cause contamination when the metals in the water corrode pipes and leaks elements of iron, manganese, baron and arsenic into the water system.

2. The geothermal energy has to come from the crust of the earth where faults lie. Disturbing the fault line, it causes seismic activity. Proponents of geothermal energy retort that the earthquakes are so small that it has no effect on the environment.

Another concern is the cost of drilling and providing geothermal. Geothermal energy in the Western United States is relatively easy to drill because the fault lines are close to the surface. In New York, for example, the Center of Architecture uses geothermal energy. It is a closed system. The crust is extremely deep down, and the Center had to dig 1,260 feet (the length of the Empire State Building).

Geothermal energy is an excellent idea. There are several tests in progress to investigate the environmental impact that it may have on our planet. We know that fossil fuel is highly toxic to us and our environment. An alternative must be found. The scientists' concerns need to be examined.

Wind technology is another option. Scientists found that a problem with this technology is that the propellers are killing birds. The raptor in California is in danger of becoming extinct because of the wind propellers.

No matter what alternatives used to supply energy, there will be problems. The goal is to find the best alternative with the least amount problems to the environment.

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