Deidra Campbell
10/01/2009
11:56a
Geothermal energy harnesses energy from the Earth to be used as a heating and cooling for buildings or power generation. But, while many have underestimated it's power and resource for electricity use the Geothermal Energy Association has announced, the US will have access to 10gigawatts of geothermal power. This is all contingent upon current projects that are underway to make this alternative energy readily available and at the US's disposal. Overall, there are currently 144 new geothermal projects underway in 14 states. If the projects are successful then the disposable power could amount to 7gigawatts added onto the 3 gigawatts presently existing for the US. The president has pledged $350milllion to assist the Dept. of Energy to speed up geothermal development and implementation.
I personally believe this a great alternative to add onto the geothermal that is presently existing. Considering the impact of geothermal energy depends on how it is being used the direct use and heating applications have almost no negative impact on the environment. Geothermal power plants do not burn fuel to generate electricity, so their emission levels are very low. They release less than 1% of the carbon dioxide emissions of a fossil fuel plant. So, overall I do believe we are moving in the right direction to fore go our dependency on oil.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10364989-54.html
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