What is geothermal energy, and how can we better harness this untapped resource?
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Geothermal energy is the least explored renewable energy resource within the United States. The technology behind it is fairly simple and can have zero emissions in a closed loop system. Let me explain how this works.
The earth's core, which is about 6 miles deep, is extremely hot and consists of molten water. This energy and heat is released off the surface of the earth naturally. To harness this energy, engineers drill down about a mile and a half deep. They then send cold water down, creating cracks in the earl which work as holding reservoirs. While this is similar to fracking, it is much less damaging to the environment because the engineers are using pre-existing cracks. Fracking which pumps high pressure water into the earth to create more cracks. Another hole is drilled on top of the reservoirs. Through the first hole, water is sent down and held in the reservoirs, heated up by the energy from earth's core, and then rises as steam through the second hole. The steam moves a turbine which creates electricity. The excess minerals, toxins, etc. are sent back down into the reservoir and this process continues 24/7, 365.
Ok, so why would we use this instead of other renewable energy (what are the pros)? In a closed loop system (described above) there is zero carbon emission and close to zero byproduct (nuclear). It re-uses resources. It doesn’t require precious minerals that propagate gang violence in central Africa (solar). Additionally, there are no requirements for energy production. It doesn’t need wind or sun as the earth is always producing heat from its core. Most impressively, it can run with almost zero maintenance cost. Finally, we already have the technology and pre-created machines to do this. Because the drilling is so similar to fracking, we (oil companies) can easily switch over.
As with everything, there are some downsides. First off, only some places have access to this ground heat without drilling a dangerous number of miles deep. Also, the initial cost of investment is super steep. Despite some initial downsides, I think the United States needs to invest more money into geothermal energy. It is an untapped resource which few countries have taken hold of. 25% of Iceland’s energy is from the earth and I think we can tap into that too.
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