Geothermal Energy

Persuasive Essay # 104028

Environmental Studies
Geology and Geophysics
Physics > Matter and Energy

Geothermal Energy

This paper highlights the benefits of geothermal energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.

1,084 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that geothermal power is safe, efficient, a proven technology and does not pollute, add to global warming or involve great expense. The paper explains that the main shortfall is only that geothermal resources are not available everywhere. The paper also points out that promoting geothermal plants in countries like North Korea or Iran could help control the arms race by offering alternatives to nuclear power.

Outline:
Brief History of Geothermal Energy
What is Geothermal Energy?
Benefits and Shortcomings

From the Paper:

"Today geothermal energy is the primary source of power in Iceland, providing a majority of the needs for the capital Reykjavik, a modern city of 300,000 people located in a very cold climate. Geothermal energy is still used in Italy and its use has increased steadily in New Zealand, California and Japan. It has also grown steadily as a source of energy for Third World or developing economies as well, representing 27% of the total electricity generated in the Philippines, 12.4% in Kenya, and 11.4% in Costa Rica. (Dickson and Fanelli, 2007)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Dickson, Mary H. and Fanelli, Mario. "What is Geothermal Energy?" International Geothermal Association. (5 April 2007). <http://iga.igg.cnr.it/index.php>
Forster, Lisa. "Geologists Troubleshoot Silica Problem at Geothermal Plants." Geothermal Resources Council, Ohio Office of Research Communications. (15 March 2007). <http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=47761>
Geothermal Education Office. "Geothermal Technologies Program, U.S. Department of Energy." July 2001. <http://geothermal.marin.org>
Mercy Corps (Global Envision). "The New Math of Alternative" (2 April, 2007). <http://www.globalenvision.org/library/7/1538/1>
Alley, Richard et. al. (5 February 2007). "Summary for Policymakers: Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change." <www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf>