Transcript Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy
Anna Bello, Jacob Fatigante,
Terry Nelson
What is geothermal energy?
Geo - “Of or relating to the Earth”
Thermal - “Of or relating to heat”
Basically the use of heat within the Earth’s crust to move generators and move heat to
where it is more useful. Home systems cannot create electricity yet, while industrial
systems can as shown in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCRDf7QxjDk
Currently
Only 0.2% of all energy used in the US
~5% growth past 3 years – because –
reliable, always there
environmentally responsible/friendly, extremely minimal
emissions
Advantages
Disadvantages
Renewable as long as the
earth exists
Extremely low to no
emissions
Very reliable
Emissions (kind of)
Expensive start-up costs
Location restrictions
Transporting energy
Costs
Installation cost: $30,000 -- $11,000 (tax credit) = $19,000
Annual costs: $3945 (old system) -- $2076 (geo) = $1869 saved
Payback period: $19,000 / $1869 = 10.17 years
Monthly fuel costs for old system: $329
Monthly geothermal costs: $173 (power) + $132 (loan) = $305
(Via PopularMechanics for a home in Commack, NY)
Are We Making efficient use of geothermal energy?
21 countries
ZJ’s
Existing policies ex.) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Suggestions
Current Issues
Geothermal wells
Limitations
Climate change
50 years from now
EGS
http://maps.nrel.gov/gt_prospector
Give two reasons why the US is only using 0.2% of its energy via geothermal.
Do you think it is worth it, based on the information given in this presentation, to go
have a geothermal water system installed in your home today? Why or why not?
In your opinion, what is the greatest limitation to using geothermal technologies as a
primary source of energy?
Sources
http://geoenergy.org/reports/2015/2015%20Annual%20US%20%20Global%20Geothermal%20Power%20Production%
20Report%20Draft%20final.pdf
http://energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-faqs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCRDf7QxjDk
http://geo-energy.org/pdf/FINALforWEB_WhySupportGeothermal.pdf
http://energyinformative.org/geothermal-energy-pros-and-cons/
http://connectusfund.org/15-monumental-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-geothermal-energy
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a4597/4331401/
Ucsusa.org