Geothermal Energy: Clean, Green and Reliable

          When we consider possible renewable energy sources, we often think of those that are non-invasive and that we may see or hear about on daily basis, such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity. But what about other ways, ones that may be invasive but are right under our noses (or feet) – Geothermal Energy.

               

          According to William E. Glassey, “geothermal energy (GE) is remnant heat derived from the formation of the planet four and a half billion years ago, as well as heat from radioactive decay of naturally occurring unstable isotopes”.  It is both directly and indirectly from heating homes and buildings to generating power for green houses or agricultural use, either way; it is virtually an inexhaustible energy source. (Glassey, 2010). You may wonder what makes it so superior to other sources of renewable energy. In fact,  there is already enough heat in the subsurface of the earth to satisfy the energy needs of every nation of the world many times over, making it real alternative to non- renewable energy.

Geothermal power is divided into 3 groups: geothermal energy for power generation, direct use and geo exchange. Power generation and direct use utilize the heat and energy that is transmitted from the earth or radioactive decay; where as geothermal heat pump applications acquire heat from the sun. (Canadian Geothermal Projects Overview 2012). If non-renewable, carbon procucing energy sources were replaced by geothermal resources; we could decrease the carbon emissions by a minimum of 90% and up to 100% (Glassey, 2010)

                Even as an oil producing nation, our non-renewable resources are quickly becoming diminished and our environment is being harmed. So where does GE come in? GE requires no fuel and has an output of very few emissions. As oil and gas prices continue to soar, GE is and remains a good option for Canadians. In fact, the implication of GE may help Canada tackle some of its greatest challenges, including: climate change, job opportunities and energy security. In fact, the opportunity for geothermal energy is immense, currently 5,000 MW in shallow geothermal resources, which could create more than 10,000 full and part time jobs! As technology continues to develop, the opportunity to use deep geothermal resources also increases with an available 10,000 MW in energy.

Figure 1: Geothermal opportunities in Canada ; http://www.cangea.ca/images/uploads/120202_Canada_GeothermalProjectOverview.pdf

                There are currently multiple geothermal projects in place, within Canada, usually favoring the western side of the nation. The Swan Hills Project located in the Swan Hills of Alberta, is a cooperative effort between the Borealis Geopower, Free Energy, Devon (Canada) and the Alberta Government. (Canadian Geothermal Projects Overview 2012). The goal of this project is to research the possible utilization of geothermal energy as well as generate electric power. This project is considered a ‘pilot’ project in looking at the possible viability of geothermal energy in Canada and the possible used of abandoned oil and gas wells to produce geothermal energy. The use of GE is also very beneficial to northern and isolated communities. The input of small geothermal plants may reduce or diminish the need for fuel import completely, and thus allowing such areas to become a little more independent.

Figure 2: Current geothermal projects in Canada

http://www.cangea.ca/images/uploads/120202_Canada_GeothermalProjectOverview.pdf

                Even though a lot of the available geothermal energy cannot be utilized because the lack of technology developed, it remains a good option for Canada to reduce the amount of green house gases entering the atmosphere and could be an opportunity to not only improving our environment but our economy as well.

References

Glassley, W. E. (2010). Geothermal Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment. Florida: Taylor and Francis Group.

http://www.cangea.ca/images/uploads/120202_Canada_GeothermalProjectOverview.pdf