Advantages Of Geothermal Energy

• No Pollution : This is one of the main advantages of using geothermal energy since it does not create any pollution and helps in creating a clean environment. Being a renewable source of energy, geothermal energy has helped in reducing global warming and pollution. Moreover, Geothermal systems do not create any pollution as they release some gases from deep within the earth which are not very harmful to the environment
• Direct Use : Since ancient times, people have been using this source of energy for taking baths, heating homes, preparing food and today geothermal energy is also used for direct heating of homes and offices. This makes geothermal energy cheaper and affordable. Although the initial investment is quite steep but in the long run with huge cost savings it proves quite useful.
• Job Creation and Economic Benefits : Governments of various countries are investing hugely in the creation of geothermal energy projects which on other hand have created more jobs for the local communities.

Though the above said advantages prove that geothermal energy has huge capabilities in itself in creating a clean and safe environment and also an excellent source of cheap, reliable, simple, clean and renewable power. It also suffers from a few drawbacks which is why it is not being utilized everywhere to its full capability.

Disadvantages Of Geothermal Energy

Energy created from geothermal power is safe, clean, simple, reliable and environmentally friendly as it is extracted from deep within the earth's surface. But despite these advantages, geothermal energy is not being used widely. Geothermal energy suffers from its disadvantages as described below.

• Not A Widespread Source of Energy : Since this type of energy is not widely used therefore the unavailability of equipment, staff, infrastructure, training pose a hindrance to the installation of geothermal plants across the globe. Not enough skilled manpower and availability of suitable development sites pose serious problems in adopting geothermal energy globally.
• High Installation Costs : To obtain geothermal energy requires installation of power plants to get steam from deep within the earth and this requires a huge one time investment and requires one to hire a certified installer and a skilled staff needs to be recruited and relocated to the plant location. Moreover, electricity towers and stations need to set up to move the power from the geothermal plant to consumers.
• Can Run Out Of Steam : Geothermal sites can run out of steam over a period of time due to a drop in temperature or if too much water is injected to cool the rocks and this may result in a huge loss for the companies which have invested heavily in these plants. Due to this factor, companies have to do extensive initial research before setting up the plant.
• May Release Harmful Gases : Geothermal sites may contain some poisonous gases and they can escape from deep within the earth, through the holes drilled by the constructors. The geothermal plant must therefore be capable enough to contain these harmful and toxic gases.
• Transportation : Geothermal Energy can not be easily transported. Once the tapped energy is extracted, it can be only used in the surrounding areas. Other sources of energy, like wood, coal or oil can be transported to residential areas but this is not the case with geothermal energy. Also, there is the fear of toxic substances being released into the atmosphere.