The Many Biofriendly Advantages of Geothermal Power Generation

The Many Biofriendly Advantages of Geothermal Power Generation

Published on: February 11th, 2008 03:46pm by: sharling

Geothermal energy means energy derived from heat inside the Earth. That heat can be used to boil water and drive steam turbines that turn generators to make electricity. This is exactly what is done at The Geysers power plants, 72 miles North of San Francisco, in California. (1)

Geothermal power generation has many advantages over traditional fossil fuel-based plants. A huge advantage is that no fuel is required. And, as anyone living near an active volcano can attest, there is plenty of heat in the Earth and this energy source is not likely to run out any time soon. The fact that no fuel is burned also means that the energy is clean and biofriendly. The steam that drives the turbines can be condensed and turned back into water. And, unlike wind or solar power, geothermal energy is constant and does not depend on weather conditions.

The Geysers is the largest geothermal operation in the world. Built in 1960, it produces more than 750 megawatts, which is enough electricity to power about 750,000 homes. Another geothermal power complex in South Central California has a capacity of about 570 megawatts. Geothermal plants in Nevada total about 235 megawatts. Oregon, Arizona, Idaho, Hawaii and Utah also have geothermal projects. (2)

Over 20 other countries are using geothermal plants, including Iceland, Russia, New Zealand and the Philippines. While many of these plants generate electrical power, others produce hot water for heating homes.

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