Geothermal energy is environmental friendly and efficient solution to solve the issue with global warming. It is being used by many countries of the world for the generation of electricity, heating up homes and even cooling homes. Geothermal energy exhibits intense heat that continuously flows outward from the depth of the earth. This heat comes from the core and can be generated due to the decay of radioactive substances beneath the ground. The term "geothermal" is derived from Greek words "Geo" which means "earth" and "therme", which means "heat." Thus, geothermal energy is translated as the heat energy generated in the center of the earth. It becomes warmer depending on the depth of exploration in the earth, and the temperature in the core can reach up to 4000 Celsius. The intensity of heat is capable of melting rocks and these melted rocks within the earth surface are known as magma. This can escape to the ground surface due to the volcanic eruption
Many countries, where geothermal energy is extensively used, are considered very clean. It is a sustainable energy not only because of the nonrenewable source but also easy to access. Geothermal energy is not a new technology because the first geothermal energy plant was built in 1902 in Larderello. The trends for geothermal power generation gained continue increase on the globe except during the period of World War II. The Larderello field remained out of operation during this period. Italy developed first ever commercial geothermal power commercially at Larderello in 1914.
The geothermal power generation has been continuously increasing since the year 1920 at rate of about 8.5 % per annum and projected installed capacity is reported as 20841 MW by 2015 as shown in Figure below:
A geothermal power plant emits about average 122kg/MW/hr of carbon dioxide that is eight times less than the emission generated by the coal power plant. This proves that the environment can be protected by using this source of energy. Today this technology is used in many countries including the United States of America, Iceland, Turkey, New Zealand, France and so forth.
One interesting fact about this energy is that it can be tapped from almost everywhere from upper 3 m of the Earth's surface. Geothermal heat pumps are required for this purpose and to deliver the energy to the homes and industries. However, the major drawback in implementing geothermal energy is initial the cost issue. The initial investment cost of installation is high, but low running cost make it feasible and economical. Besides, with recent technological advancement such as enhanced geothermal systems, geothermal energy is now easier to exploit more of these resources, and the cost is lowered. Geothermal energy is a stable and reliable source of energy and power output can be accurately predicted unlike some other sources of energy like wind and solar.
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In short, geothermal energy is declared the sustainable source of energy. It is an interesting fact for a layman that the earth beneath their houses has a tremendous amount of energy, far beyond what the entire petroleum reserves can provide. It is also powering turbines for the production of electricity. This makes geothermal energy not only an alternative to the energy from fossil fuel but also a vital energy immensely needed for efficient running of our day to day lives.
