The debate regarding geothermal energy as a source of renewable energy has been ongoing for decades. Despite its status as a green alternative to conventional sources of energy, there are arguments surrounding the impact of geothermal energy on global warming. Research shows that while this type of energy is beneficial in terms of reducing emissions and providing a cleaner form of electricity, the requirement of a large amount of energy to extract the heat from the ground can be detrimental to the environment, particularly in the medium and long-term.
The process of extracting heat from the ground for geothermal electricity production involves drilling deep boreholes into the Earth’s crust and injecting cold water into them. As the water is heated, it rises to the surface and is converted into steam, which is then used to turn turbines and generate electricity. While the result is clean and renewable energy, the process of drilling these boreholes and circulating the water through them involves the consumption of a large amount of energy over an extended period of time, which can potentially contribute to global warming.
The amount of energy required to extract the heat is dependent on the type of geothermal field and the depth at which the heat is located.Convective fields, which are shallow and located near the surface, require the least amount of energy to extract, while more energy is needed to access deeper magmatic fields, which are located several kilometers underground. The higher the energy requirement, the higher the carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition, the efficiency and longevity of geothermal fields are also key considerations. Geothermal producing systems,such as flash and binary systems, generally become less efficient over time, leading to increased emissions. If the systems are not maintained,there is a risk of the carbon dioxide emissions increasing exponentially and the long-term viability of the field being compromised.
Despite these potential negatives, it is important to recognize the important contributions that geothermal energy can make to reducing emissions and providing a cleaner form of electricity production. The International Renewable Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization committed to increasing renewable energy worldwide, states that geothermal energy has the potential to significantly reduce global emissions, and could offer up to 10.7 billion metric tons of primary energy savings until 2050.
The efficiency of geothermal energy systems can also be improved by advancing research and engaging in collaborative efforts to ensure that the most appropriate and effective technology is used. For example, a six-year international research project, known as the ‘Advanced Sustainable Geothermal Development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)’, is currently being conducted by a consortium of academic institutions, research institutes and industry organizations, with the aim of improving the efficiency of geothermal energy production and reducing global emissions in the process.
In conclusion, it is clear that while geothermal energy production has many benefits in terms of reducing emissions and providing a cleaner form of electricity, the requirement of a large amount energy to extract the heat from such fields can contribute to global warming. Nevertheless, with advances in technology and research, it is possible to improve the efficiency of energy production and ensure that the benefits of geothermal energy outweigh the potentially negative implications associated with the process.
