Why don't we hear more about the use of geo-thermal power?

Question

I have read on the net that this type of highly available resource would last for 450 years.
Would this not be an environmentally non-destructive method of power production until all other alternatives have had more time for research, discussion and trial to test their safety?
Couldn't the merits of such clean power be advertised to explain methodology, and then subsequent comment and idea feedback.
It would take the heat off rushing into another power souirce that could be politically and environmentally unfvourable., until public is comfortable with a longer life, suitable alternative.

Answer 1

there are quite a few systems available, and many installed in Canada and US, with many for the homeowner.

Many systems are coupled with solar collectors, and the earth is used for storage of the heat.

The basics are the earths temp is a constant, and increases with depth (although 1 degree per kilometer)

the basics are that its about 53 degrees. this way you can have closed circuit piping of minimal depth, pump water or water based ethylene glycol through it.

When the temp is colder outside you recover that heat. The constant heating from the pipes will actually warms the earth around them, with the earth also acting as a collector and insulator...

when it is hotter, the system can be used to cool the building

Answer 2

That is an excellent question. From what I've read it seems that this type of energy is only available in certain places where the tectonic plates meet. And it seems we don't have the technology to tap this source in other places. But it makes a whole lot more sense to work to that goal than it does with some of the other options that are currently on the energy plate. It is nice to know that there are many places world wide that are currently using that type of power already.

Answer 3

It is viable in some places like Iceland but the area has to be pretty stable.

Consider the method used is to drill two holes down into the crust to a depth where the natural heat is able to turn water into steam. Water is then poured into one hole and the steam coming out of the other is used to drive a turbine to produce electricity and the waste steam can even be piped to local buildings for heating - wonderful BUT!!!

Remember I said stable! Water pumped to any depth in California would almost certainly lubricate a fault and cause a major earthquake!

Answer 4

There is only one reason that burning petroleum is the most common for of energy production - it is the cheapest per watt.

It's so ironic that is is one of the few methods that is harmful to the planet. But don't worry, oil prices will continue to rise permanently, and at some point, wind, tidal, and geo-thermal energy will be much more competitive... though we'll be paying several dollars per kilowatt/hour by then, compared to 10 cents as we are now.

Answer 5

The cost is very high and in certain areas with vast temperature differences you have to go very deep and if an area is sollid bed rock, it's impractical. It will work but only in certain locations.
Don't forget that it uses electricity also.