C+Block+-+Geothermal

Background and History:
The name, “geothermal” derives from Greek origin, with “geo” meaning earth, and “therme” meaning heat. Thus, geothermal energy is heat contained within the earth that generates power. Because heat is continually produced inside Earth’s surface, geothermal energy is also a renewable source of energy. Geothermal power plants rely on the energy from the earth to generate power. Because this is a type of natural energy production, it is also **environmentally friendly**. (Conserve Energy Future: //Geothermal Energy//)
 * What is Geothermal energy? **

The heat from the core of the earth rises up and heats the water in the crust. Deep holes are then drilled into the earth (similar to oil drilling) until a geothermal hot spot is found. Then, a pipe is placed deep inside the hole, which provides a path for hot steam to travel up to the surface. The pressurized steam is then transported to a turbine that begins to turn because of the steam's force. Finally, the generator produces electricity because of the force caused by the turbine. (Clean Energy Ideas: //Geothermal Power Plants//).
 * How is geothermal energy harnessed ? **

Geothermal energy exists in **three forms:** 1. Volcanoes 2. Hot Springs 3. Geysers (Conserve Energy Future: Geothermal Energy).

Current Information:
Geothermal scientists use multiple equations to measure the exact regions where to build geothermal plants. For example this equations helps to let the constructors know the annual mean ground temperature of a specific spot in earth. Knowing the ground temperatures helps find a good spto for a geothermal plant.

**Advantages of Geothermal Energy:**

 * 1**. Low Cost: Geothermal energy is very low on cost and saves about 80% more over fossil fuels since it doesn't use fuel to generate power. Due to the fact that geothermal energy don't run on fuel, it is cheaper to clean, transport, and purchase plants.


 * 2**. Reduction on Fossil Fuel Reliance: With the introduction of Geothermal energy, dependence on Fossil Fuels will decrease. Fossil fuels release greenhouse gases that increase global warming. This new form of renewable energy uses water and heat to produce energy, which means that no harmful gases are released into the atmosphere.


 * 3**. Non Polluting: One of the main reason Geothermal energy is considered is that it doesn't pollute the environment with harmful gases. It actually helps clean the environment from all the harmful gases already places by Fossil Fuels. It is considered a renewable source of energy since it uses only heat and water produced inside the earth.


 * 4**. Direct Use: People have been using the system of Geothermal energy to heat up their homes since ancient times. They have also used it to take baths, cook their food, and today are being used to directly heat up homes and offices. Even though the initial investment can be quite high, in the long run there will be a huge cost saving. Is makes Geothermal energy really cheap and affordable.


 * 5**. Job Creation and Economic Benefits: Geothermal energy has been invested on by many governments from many different countries. This action has created many job opportunities for people in their local countries. Since Geothermal energy is cheap to maintain, it will be very beneficial to any governments economy.

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy:

 * 1**. Not Widespread Source of Energy: Due to the fact that this form of energy isn't used widely, there is a huge lack of equipment for building Geothermal plants. There aren't enough skilled workers to create Geothermal plants. Another factor that is to the disadvantage of Geothermal energy is the locations where is cant be built. Geothermal power plants require specific locations to maximize the energy they produce.


 * 2**. High Installation Costs: Installation of power plants are required for Geothermal energy. To get steam from deep inside the ground requires that you hire skilled and certified installers to be recruited and relocated to the plant location. There needs to be a way to move the energy made by Geothermal energy to electricity towers and then to the consumers.


 * 3**. Run Out of Steam: Drops in temperature can make the plants run out of steam. Also using too much water to cool down rocks can stop the production of steam over a period of time. These factors can make the companies who heavily invested into these energy plants lose money once they run out of steam.


 * 4**. Specific Locations: Geothermal plants can only work effectively in regions that have hot rocks under the earth and can produce steam over a long period of time. Large amount of research is required to know if a region is suitable for Geothermal plants. That requires a large investment of money that will increase the initial cost of the Geothermal plant. The best places for Geothermal plants have been discovered to be near hilly areas or high up in mountains.


 * 5**. May Release Harmful Gases: Some of the regions where Geothermal plants might be set up, may contain harmful gases deep inside the the earth. Those gases are released by the holes made by constructors drilling into the earths mantle. These gases require the Geothermal plants to be able to contain the harmful gases from going into the earths atmosphere.


 * 6**. Transportation: Geothermal energy can only be used in surrounding areas once its extracted. This causes a great problems for the ease of transporting Geothermal energy to far regions. There is also the problem of toxic gases being released into the atmosphere when transported, which yields the transportation process.

- space heating - snow melting - agriculture - greenhouse production
 * Current Usage and Technology: **

**Stats:** -Today, the United States is currently responsible for 3,000 MW of geothermal energy -The U.S. is also the leading producer of geothermal electricity in the world -geothermal pump installations have been increasing at a 15% rate per year -now produces enough electricity to support 60 million people (Geothermal Energy Association: //Current Use//).

- Both Southwest Technology Development Institute and New Mexico State University in Las Cruces have been active in geothermal studies, engineering and research programs - New Mexico has taken the lead in geothermal greenhouse development with more than half of New Mexico's acreage (area in acres) now heated by geothermal energy
 * In New Mexico:**

Sources: Geothermal Basics Current Use. (n.d.). //Geothermal Energy Association //. Retrieved December 16, 2012, from http://www.geo-energy.org/currentUse.aspx Geothermal Technologies Program: Geothermal FAQs. (n.d.). //U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Home Page //. Retrieved December 16, 2012, from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/fa Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy Sources. (n.d.). Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy Sources. Retrieved December 16, 2012, from http://conserve-energy-future.com/ Saunders, N. (2008). Geothermal energy. Pleasantville, NY: Gareth Stevens Pub.. Chemical Composition of Geothermal Fluids for Geothermal Energy An Alternative Resource for the 21st Century. (n.d.). Scribd. Retrieved December 16, 2012, from http://www.scribd.com/doc/53004733/29/Chemical-Composition-of-Geothermal-Fluids