The Geographies And Resource Patterns Of Geothermal Energy In The Renewable Energy Mix

The world is aware of the need to embrace renewable energy sources that are sustainable in providing power supply, and one of such sources is geothermal energy. It is a renewable energy source that has been in use for centuries, providing a stable, constant, and cost-effective source of energy. Geothermal energy is generated from within the Earth’s mantle, where temperatures can reach up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are several locations globally where geothermal power can be harnessed.

Resource Patterns and Availability

Geothermal energy resources are widely available globally based on geological features. It is found in tectonic plate boundaries, areas where volcanic activity is present, and other geological factors that enhance its availability. The geothermal resources in the world have been categorized by the International Geothermal Association (IGA) into high, moderate, and low enthalpy fields, with high enthalpy fields being the ones with the highest potential to generate electricity.

However, unlike other renewable energy sources like solar and wind, geothermal resources are limited to specific locations. Therefore, the level of geothermal energy availability varies by geographic location. It has been estimated that the world has about 10 GW capacity for electricity generation through geothermal power, and its total potential capacity could be more than 100 GW.

Geographical Spread

Geothermal energy, as earlier stated, is widely available globally, and its distribution largely depends on the tectonic plate settings of regions. The top countries that have harnessed geothermal energy include the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Italy, Iceland, and Japan, among others. These countries have harnessed geothermal power for various applications such as electricity generation, heating and cooling for residential and industrial applications, and agriculture.

In the United States, there are geothermal resources in almost every state, with California being the leading geothermal electricity producer, followed by Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii. The Philippines, on the other hand, has 25% of the world’s identified geothermal regions and generates more electricity from geothermal energy than any other country. Mexico’s primary geothermal power plants are located in the Baja California Peninsula since the country has favorable geothermal resources due to tectonic plate settings. Iceland, on the other hand, is entirely situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the tectonic plates separating North America from Europe are moving away from each other.

Benefits of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy comes with numerous benefits that make it a preferred renewable energy source. These benefits include:

Constant and Reliable Power Supply

Geothermal energy provides a constant and reliable source of electricity; it does not depend on weather and climate conditions, making it a dependable renewable energy source.

Cost-effective

Geothermal energy is not as expensive as people may think. Although an initial cost is essential for drilling and constructing plants, it is, in the long run, cheaper than other sources of energy as there is little or no fuel cost involved.

Environmentally Friendly

Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly since it produces no greenhouse gases and releases minimal pollutants compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Multipurpose Uses

Geothermal energy can be used for different applications, including electricity generation, heating and cooling systems, and agricultural practices, making it versatile.

Conclusion

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source widely available globally, and its distribution largely depends on the tectonic plate settings of different regions. The top countries that have harnessed geothermal energy include the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Italy, Iceland, and Japan. While it has many benefits such as constant and reliable power supply, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, it also has its limitations in terms of availability in specific locations. Nonetheless, the potential of geothermal energy in contributing to the renewable energy mix cannot be overemphasized, and it remains a critical energy source for a sustainable future.

Scroll to Top