Geothermal Energy Energy lies beneath the earth's crust contained in the rock and fluids. This thermal energy is use to generate what is known as Geothermal. Geothermal is a form of energy that can produce electricity that has been uses for thousands of years. Geothermal uses underground reservoirs of steam and hot water by tapping to generate electricity, as well as use to heat and cool areas. Geothermal energy in the United States, whom is the largest producer in the world, houses its' largest geothermal development in northern California in The Geysers of San Francisco. As one of the main renewable energy sources in the U.S. used to generate electricity, even though it is not as strongly used as wind and solar energy. Geothermal …show more content…
An initial cost for the field and power plant can start around $2500 per installed kW in the U.S., and probably as much as $3000 to $5000/kWe (kilowatts electrical) for a small (<1Mwe) megawatt electrical power plant. The operating and maintenance costs range are low from $0.01 to $0.03 per kilowatt hour (kWh). Although, most geothermal power plants can run at greater than 90% availability (i.e., producing time), but can increase its maintenance costs if running at 97% or 98%. Higher priced …show more content…
Geothermal plants helps in the reduction of carbon emissions and environmental pollution. Geothermal has financial benefits as well, that most other renewable technologies do not offer. Geothermal plants pay federal and state royalties and significantly more property taxes, generating revenue in rural U.S. counties where these plants operate, unlike wind and solar, as for solar that is exempt from taxes. When it comes to disadvantages in use of geothermal energy, plants need electricity to operate their heat pumps. Plants using wells requires an significant amount in usage of water. The cost of both geothermal power plants and geothermal heating/cooling systems is very high. Geothermal power as a renewable is only sustainable if the reservoirs are properly managed and maintain. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) states that there is significant exploration and production risk, which can result in high development costs. Development is often undertaken incrementally at a site to mitigate this risk and control costs. Through supporting innovative technologies that address key exploration and operational challenges, the Geothermal Technologies Office uses them to reduce cost and risk associated with geothermal power