The Geosphere 05: Geologic Events

For my project, I decided to research the Chena Power project in Alaska, USA. This project started in 2006, and received world wide attention  for its on site generation and power engineering. It was given two awards, one of which being named the Renewable/Sustainable Energy Project of the Year. Chena Power is a renewable energy source in Alaska, hoping to offer unique solutions for lowing energy costs and ecological impacts world wide. It also serves as a hot spring. 

Like most things in life, there are both advantages and disadvantages to geothermal energy. To make sure it is known, geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored in the earth.

Advantages
-Saves money by using renewable energy
-Provides jobs
-Doesn't cause pollution
-Limitless supply of heat
-Environmentally friendly

Disadvantages
-Expensive to build
-Has to be done without disturbing protected landmarks
-Heat is very deep underground and thus difficult to readily obtain
-If pipes arent drilled correctly, then pollutants may be released into the air
-Geothermal can only generate small amounts of electricity, and thus has to be done in large quantities.

Overall, geothermal energy is a great resource for electricity on smaller scales. Warming houses, hot springs, and other smaller projects allow us to use cleaner alternatives then burning fossil fuels to achieve our goals. Thus, if we use geothermal energy on small projects, then we will reduce the overall carbon footprint in the atmosphere and help cut back on global warming.

Works Cited

"Geohermal Energy Association Power Plant Details." Geohermal Energy Association Power Plant Details. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 June 2014. <http://geo-energy.org/plantdetails.aspx?id=161>.

News." Geothermal Energy Projects Popular in Japan - Hydrogen Fuel News | Hydrogen Fuel News. Hydrogen Fuel News, 23 May 2014. Web. 07 June 2014. <http://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/small-geothermal-energy-projects-may-become-popular-japan/8517939/>.

"Power Plant Goes Quiet as Campus Moves to Geothermal Energy." Missouri ST News and Events. N.p., 28 May 2014. Web. 07 June 2014. <http://news.mst.edu/2014/05/power-plant-goes-quiet-as-campus-moves-to-geothermal-energy/>.