Could we use volcanoes to make electricity?
- Written by David Kitchen, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Richmond
Challenges for geothermal power
Why isn’t geothermal energy used as widely as wind or solar power? First, geothermal power plants need to be near volcanoes or other places where it is unusually hot beneath the surface. These resources aren’t always near large cities or industries that use a lot of electricity.
Second, drilling deep wells and building power plants can be expensive. However, the long-term benefits of geothermal power often outweigh the initial costs[17].
Third, in some cases, drilling and pumping water under pressure can cause small earthquakes[18]. Scientists and engineers are working to predict and manage this effect[19].
Despite these challenges, tapping into the Earth’s natural heat can create a renewable, reliable and clean source of energy. As technology improves, more places around the world will turn to geothermal energy to light up people’s lives. Volcanoes are reminders of a great powerhouse deep underground that’s waiting to be harnessed.
Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com[20]. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.
And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.
References
- ^ Curious Kids (theconversation.com)
- ^ curiouskidsus@theconversation.com (theconversation.com)
- ^ including the U.S. (www.eia.gov)
- ^ natural processes deep within the Earth (www.eia.gov)
- ^ forming magma (www.britannica.com)
- ^ hot springs and geysers (www.nps.gov)
- ^ drill deep wells down to the heated rocks and water (www.eia.gov)
- ^ convert a different liquid with a much lower boiling point (www.eia.gov)
- ^ butane (www.britannica.com)
- ^ much less pollution, waste and greenhouse gas emissions (www.eia.gov)
- ^ can last for decades or even longer (education.nationalgeographic.org)
- ^ supplying about 25% (www.government.is)
- ^ including California (www.energy.ca.gov)
- ^ and Nevada (minerals.nv.gov)
- ^ Yellowstone National Park (www.nps.gov)
- ^ USEIA (www.eia.gov)
- ^ often outweigh the initial costs (www.energy.gov)
- ^ can cause small earthquakes (theconversation.com)
- ^ predict and manage this effect (www.spacedaily.com)
- ^ CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com (theconversation.com)
Authors: David Kitchen, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Richmond
Read more https://theconversation.com/could-we-use-volcanoes-to-make-electricity-234029