What Are the Drawbacks of Using Geothermal Energy

Like most other things with a lot of uses, benefits and advantages, the use of geothermal energy also has a number of drawbacks. The process of producing energy through heat from the earth’s interior involves getting the steam it produces to run turbines, which supply power to electric generators. This article discusses the risks and disadvantages of this method of power generation.

1. Location

While getting geothermal energy can seem as simple as drilling wells into which to put pipes for putting in water and generating steam, finding suitable locations for these power plants is no easy task. The number of locations that can accommodate geothermal power plants is very limited. The location must have hot rocks so they can easily be drilled.

Besides the rarity of suitable geothermal power plant locations, there is also the issue of safety. The concentration of geothermal energy can usually be found along plate boundaries, where volcanoes are concentrated and earthquakes are most frequent.

2. Permanence

Once in a while, geothermal energy locations run out of steam for a couple of months, during which the power plant is unable to produce electricity.

3. Power generated

Geothermal energy provides relatively smaller amount of power compared with other energy sources.

4. Energy transportation

Power derived from geothermal energy is difficult to transport. Thus, geothermal power plants can only provide energy to the areas surrounding them.

5. Possible release of hazardous materials

While the steam itself can be clean and safe, it can come out with hazardous materials from underground such as hydrogen sulfide, mercury, ammonia, and arsenic.

6. Earthquakes

Geothermal energy can also cause earthquakes.