Geothermal Energy Andrew Morgenstern ShayLynn Schultz Chelsey Lorence

What is it? Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Magma below the earths crust continually produces heat The first 10,000 meters of Earth’s surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all the oil and natural gas resources in the world ShayLynn Schultz

How It Works Hotspots, Earthquakes and magma, The most common way of capturing the energy is to tap into natural "hydrothermal convection" systems – cooler water seeps into Earth's crust, is heated up, and then rises to the surface. Each plant needs about gallons per min. to generate 1mw Dry steamFlash Steam Binary cycle ShayLynn Schultz

Renewable or Nonrenewable? Geothermal is a renewable energy Energy comes from heat of the earth The earth’s core generated constant and unlimited amounts of heat Andrew Morgenstern

Cost Cost around $2500 per installed kWh for initial construction Operation of plant cost around $.01 to $.03 per kWh At the geyser power cost $.03 to $.035 per kWh Today it cost around $.05 per kWh Andrew Morgenstern

Positives of Geothermal Energy Great energy savings, 70% in some cases Water source heat pumps don’t require defrost cycle No outdoor equipment required No noise pollution problems All electric Non-polluting energy source Chelsey Lorence

Negative Aspects Finding a Suitable Building Location Air and Water Pollution Disposal of Hazardous Waste Siting Land Subsidence Minerals Left Over – Sulfur ShayLynn Schultz

Environmental impact Emissions are low to none in the form of steam Water is recycled Power plants produce small amounts of solid materials (sulfur, etc.) Andrew Morgenstern

What Country Uses the Most Geothermal Energy The United States Mostly the western states use this energy source

Ideal Geothermal Locations Alaska California Oregon Nevada Anywhere near Hotspots, Volcanoes, & Geysers You Could Supply This Energy Anywhere That You Can Build a Plant ShayLynn Schultz

Geothermal Energy in our Community Geothermal Energy can be tapped anywhere Mostly used in the western states, Alaska, and Hawaii There are currently no geothermal plants in our community No plants in Minnesota but there is potential

Works Cited "Geothermal Energy." - Renewable Energy World. Web. 02 Apr EERE: Geothermal Technologies Program Home Page." Advanced Manufacturing Office: Technology Deployment. Web. 03 Apr "Geologists Revise State's Potential for Geothermal Energy." MPR News. Web. 03 Apr "Geothermal Positives and Negatives." Geothermal-lapeer. 12 Apr Web.. Union of Concerned Scientists. "How Geothermal Energy Works." UCSUSA. 16 Dec Web.