The use of renewable energy sources has been increasing in recent years. Geothermal energy is one of the source that is being used extensively in areas where it is available. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that can provide a sustainable and reliable source of electricity. This article looks at the impact of geothermal energy on the renewables energy transition.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is the heat energy that is generated from the earth’s core. This heat energy is used to produce electricity. The heat that comes from the earth’s core contributes to the temperature of the earth’s surface. This heat can be tapped by drilling wells into the ground and then using the heat to generate electricity.
Advantages of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy has several advantages over other renewable energy sources. Unlike wind and solar power, geothermal energy is available 24/7 and is not affected by weather. This makes it a reliable source of energy that can be used to meet the base load demand.
Geothermal energy is also a clean source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy does not produce any greenhouse gases. This makes it an important tool in the fight against climate change.
Additionally, geothermal energy has a small footprint. Unlike wind and solar farms, geothermal power plants can be built in small areas. This makes them suitable for use in areas where space is limited.
The Impact of Geothermal Energy on the Energy Transition
The increasing use of geothermal energy is having a positive impact on the energy transition. Geothermal energy is becoming an important source of electricity in many countries. In 2019, the global geothermal installed capacity was 14.9 GW. This capacity is set to increase in the coming years with the development of new geothermal projects.
The increase in geothermal energy is reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Geothermal energy is a clean source of electricity that can replace the use of fossil fuels. This makes it an important tool in the fight against climate change.
The increase in the use of geothermal energy is also helping to reduce energy costs. Geothermal energy is an affordable source of electricity that can compete with fossil fuels. As the technology evolves, the cost of geothermal energy is expected to decrease further.
Challenges Facing the Development of Geothermal Energy
Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, there are several challenges that are hindering its development. One of the main challenges is the availability of suitable geothermal sites. Geothermal energy can only be produced in areas where there is enough heat under the earth’s surface. This limits the potential use of geothermal energy.
Additionally, the development costs of geothermal projects are high. The cost of drilling and installing geothermal wells is expensive. This makes it difficult for geothermal projects to be profitable in the short term.
Another challenge is public perception. Geothermal energy is not well-known compared to wind and solar power. This makes it difficult to generate public interest and support for geothermal projects.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy is becoming an important part of the renewable energy mix. Its advantages over other sources of renewable energy make it an important tool in the fight against climate change. The increase in the use of geothermal energy is reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and helping to reduce energy costs. Despite the challenges facing the development of geothermal energy, its future looks bright with the development of new technologies.