Renewable Energy Management

Renewable Energy Management ...

Geothermal Renewable Energy - The Earth

Author: Matthew Hick

The heat of the Earth makes up what is known as geothermal energy. When dust and gasses from Earth mixed together 4 billion years ago, geothermal energy resulted.

Inside the Earth at its core, some 4, 000 miles deep, the temperature is estimated at about 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal energy has been used throughout history for bathing, relaxing, cooking and heating. It was thought by some to have healing effects and was used to treat eye and skin diseases. The first geothermal generator that produced energy was built in Lardarello, Italy in 1904. The United States followed with their first attempt at geothermal power in 1912 at The Geysers in California. Today it is produced in twenty-one countries around the world.

Geothermal energy is located deep in the ground. The heat at the core of the Earth has an outward flow. As it moves, it is transferred to surrounding rock layers called the mantle. As temperatures and pressure increase, the rock melts and becomes magma. The magma moves toward the surface of the earth carrying the heat with it. If the magma reaches the Earth's surface, it becomes lava. However, most of it stays below the Earth's crust and heats rocks and water that surround it. These temperatures can reach up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water travels to the Earth's surface, it becomes hot springs or geysers. Mostly it stays trapped in fractured, porous rocks called geothermal reservoirs. This heat near the Earth's surface becomes a form of energy.

Hot water or steam from the reservoir exerts a force that can spin a turbine connected to a generator and produces electricity. The cooled water is then returned to the reservoir in order for it to reheat. Much exploration and testing needs to be done to determine where the geothermal underground waters are. When ideal spots are located, drilling is done to create production wells that bring the water to the Earth's surface for power generation in geothermal power plants.

Although the costs to construct geothermal plants and geothermal wells are high, the cost of producing electricity is lower over time. The fuel is reliable, stable and does not need to be transported. The white smoke you will see over geothermal power plants is not smoke but rather steam. During the process of operations it may, however, bring some hazardous gases from underground.

The United States stands as the biggest producer of geothermal energy. Unfortunately, interest in it is low and it only accounts for about 1% of this country's energy supply. Through research and experience new methods and technologies for accessing geothermal energy will improve. Tapping into the heat under the Earth's surface can produce much more of the nations energy. We are at a point where renewable energy sources must make their way to the forefront of the energy picture. Not only are fossil fuels being depleted, but also they are ruining our air quality. In time, geothermal energy may become an appealing alternative. Competitive pricing and minimal environmental impact could produce a hot future for this renewable energy source.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/geothermal-renewable-energy-the-earth-109677.html

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10 Responses to Renewable Energy Management

  1. KELLY says:

    I am to do a presentation on renewable energy sources an waste management, what should I do?
    I dont know what to put in the various slides of my microsoft poer point, i don’t even know how to do a presentation, help.

  2. JOHNNIE B says:

    Hope this helps . The CO2 that the plants breath in and breath out oxygen is only what appears all that is happening. That is only 1 part of the process. The plant dies or sheds it leaves and the river washes it to the delta where it will deteriorate to Oil,gas, and after a long time coal. these are all recycled by mother nature and are renewable.

  3. Sweet Sam says:

    hi check it out this is really interesting presentation

  4. vale says:

    Master in Renewable Energy?
    Masters in Renewable Energy/Energy Management

    Hi everyone,

    Can anyone please let me know about the reputed Masters courses in the field of Renewable Energy or Energy Management in Europe?

  5. neville says:

    Without more information about the actual courses and the institutions offering them it is not really possible to give you any specific advice.

    However, if you wish to continue your studies and since you seem motivated to study renewable energy then if you meet the entry requirements for the institution concerned, why not? I’m sure it would be worthwhile for you.

  6. kamrul i says:

    What experience do I need for project development and management work?
    What experience do I need for project development and management work on renewable energy and energy conservation projects

  7. pirate_princess says:

    Refer to CDM Regulations 2007, revised April this year

  8. abhi says:

    Renewable Energy Science/Managment?
    is it advisable to do MS in renewable energy after Engineering in telecommunication
    I have completed my B.tech in telecommunication
    and looking forward to do my MSc in UK for the course of Renewable Energy Science/Management
    This course really got my attention. Would i need any extra prerequisites for the course or i can still easily study it.
    Yes I have contacted the universities about me being eligible for the course.
    But just wanted to know is it foolish approach to get into a totally different course than my B.Tech ,that was telecommunication. specific university i am talking about is Derhum University

  9. Hande says:

    MSc. Management and Technology of Water and Waste Water Treatment.(Process Engineering) could be the better choice.

  10. John E says:

    Which of the following professions offers a good salary?
    Hello good people out there.I want to know which of the follwing offers good salary and good chances of getting a job easily after graduation.

    MSc. Renewable Energy Management
    MSc. Management and Technology of Water and Waste Water Treatment.(Process Engineering)

    Thanks.

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