How much land is needed for geothermal energy?
An entire geothermal field uses 1-8 acres per megawatt (MW) versus 5-10 acres per MW for nuclear operations and 19 acres per MW for coal power plants. Coal power plants also require huge acreages for mining their fuel.
Is geothermal energy better than nuclear energy?
Experts say geothermal energy is cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective than burning fossil fuels, and it can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Geothermal plants are also considered to be more reliable than coal or nuclear plants because they can run consistently, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What is the carbon footprint of geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy has the sixth-lowest carbon footprint of all energy types. Per kWh produced, geothermal energy emits 38 grams of CO2 on a life-cycle basis. It combats climate change, comes with various environmental benefits, and has only minute amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the difference between nuclear and geothermal energy?
Geothermal plants send water down holes to bring to the surface the heat from natural radioactive decay deep in the mantle. Nuclear power mines the radionucleides, concentrates them, sends them critical and then wonders what to do with the leftover mess – not very elegant by comparison.
How does geothermal energy affect the land?
The main environmental concern that comes with geothermal power plants is the potential for surface instability. Because geothermal plants remove water and steam from reservoirs within the earth, the land above those reservoirs can sometimes sink slowly over time.
How does geothermal energy contribute to any form of pollution on land?
Geothermal power plants do not burn fuel to generate electricity, but they may release small amounts of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Geothermal power plants emit 97\% less acid rain-causing sulfur compounds and about 99\% less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel power plants of similar size.