What is geothermal energy? What is it for, advantages and disadvantages

Caring for the environment is everyone’s task and responsibility, and for this reason, renewable energies have had a great global boom in recent years. Beyond solar energy, the best known of all, there are many others, such as geothermal energy. It is about that energy that is stored under the earth’s surface in the form of heat in groundwater, rocks, soils … It is classified into four large categories based on temperature: More than 150 ºC: water vapor can be transformed into energy electric directly. Between 90 and 150 ºC: it is possible to produce electrical energy using an exchange fluid. Between 30 and 90 ºC: the heat content is not enough to produce electrical energy, although it is for some agricultural and industrial processes, as well as for heating. Less than 30 ºC: it can only be used for air conditioning. What are the advantages of geothermal energy? One of the main advantages of geothermal energy has to do with efficiency. It is a very beneficial local response for companies and individuals, which reduces energy costs and is 100% ecological, in a way that protects the environment. It is a clean energy that does not require burning any fuel and does not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, which are mainly responsible for the hole in the ozone layer. To this must be added that it produces up to four times more cooling or thermal energy than electricity. electric power. Therefore, the efficiency can be up to 400%, well above that of the electrical resistance. And, finally, geothermal energy is free because it does not depend on third parties for its use.Unlike solar energy, it does not depend on the sun or the weather, but is always available.Main disadvantagesDespite its many advantages, geothermal energy also has a number of disadvantages that are worth knowing. The first thing to keep in mind is that it cannot be transported. Nor can a geothermal air conditioning system be installed in all homes and companies for different reasons, such as that there is not enough space outside to carry out drilling.This renewable energy source is only present in some places, as well. that the place of origin is decisive. And, finally, although it is a clean energy, it can contaminate groundwater with substances such as arsenic or ammonia, among others.