The environmental effects of geothermal development and power generation include the changes in land use associated with exploration and plant construction, noise and sight pollution, the discharge of water and gases, the production of foul odours, and soil subsidence.
How does geothermal energy affect the environment for kids?
Sustainable Energy
Although we do use up a tiny bit of the Earth’s heat, it is a very little amount in comparison to the overall heat of the Earth. This makes geothermal energy a type of sustainable energy. Geothermal power plants are very clean and have little negative impact on the environment.
How does geothermal energy impact the environment?
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.
What is geothermal energy explained to kids?
Geothermal energy is heat that comes from inside Earth. It is an alternative energy source that can be used for cooking, bathing, and heating. It can also be converted into electricity. Geothermal energy is available anywhere on Earth’s surface.
What are the cons of geothermal energy for kids?
What are the disadvantages of using geothermal energy?
- The right geographical location is needed, where suitable hot rocks are within drilling depth. …
- Sometimes the heat source can ‘dry up’ if too much heat energy is extracted.
- Hazardous gases and minerals can be brought up which need to be safely disposed of.
Is geothermal energy environmentally friendly?
The environmental impact of geothermal energy is minimal, especially compared to fossil fuel power plants. When sited and constructed carefully, geothermal power plants can be a reliable source of renewable and environmentally-friendly electricity.
Do geothermal plants pollute?
When geothermal power plants do emit gases, it’s mostly carbon dioxide, which isn’t a pollutant but a greenhouse gas. … Also, the common practice by geothermal power plants to inject geothermal fluids back into reservoirs to sustain resources has diminished their carbon dioxide emissions.
Does geothermal energy affect climate?
Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy is a renewable resource that does not emit the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
Why is geothermal energy renewable kids?
Geothermal energy is produced during the slow decay of radioactive elements in the earth’s core. This process is continuous and it never stops, this is why geothermal energy is a renewable energy source.
What are some fun facts about geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy produces 0.03% of the emissions that coal produces and . 05% of the emissions that natural gas produces. 4. Geothermal energy is more than 2,000 years old and is believed to be first used in China.
What are some disadvantages to geothermal energy?
What are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy?
- Environmental Concerns about Greenhouse Emissions. …
- Possibility of Depletion of Geothermal Sources. …
- High Investment Costs for Geothermal System. …
- Land Requirements for Geothermal System to Be Installed.