Geothermal Energy is perhaps a lesser known form of energy when we look toward alternative power sources.

What is Geothermal Energy? – its energy stored with in the earth which is created by heat. The word “geothermal” literally translates to “earth heat”. Whilst it was first harvested in the 1904 in Italy, this power source still only supplies about 1% of the worlds energy usage.

Interestingly there are a number of Geothermal resource below the earths surface, ranging from hot water and rocks located miles below the earths surface. As we go down deeper we fund other sources in the form of molten rock (magma) and steam

Advantages of Geothermal Energy:

1. Whilst not renewable in the true definition of the word, relatively speaking it is. There is such a huge reservoir of heat with in the earth, we would be using so little it would be insignificant.
2. Once a system has been setup the fuel is free.
3. Very small (negligible) environment impacting emissions, much cleaner than traditional fossil fuels.
4. Unlike solar or wind power, geothermal power is not dependent on weather conditions.
5. Price competitive with fossil fuels and other fuel sources
6. Scalability, can supply whole city’s, or single households

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

1. Some minor impact on the earth, in terms of drilling and clearing of land.
2. Inefficient, due to the impact of heat on materials used to harness the energy, allot of heat is lost and must be “cooled down” reducing the amount of energy produced.
3. Instability produced in the earth near geothermal power plants, most plants will eventually run out of tap able energy and will have to be built at more expense and environmental impact in a new area.
4. Not yet a suitable solution for individual households, properties.

Whilst the future looks bright, it isn’t really a viable option (at this stage anyway) to implement as a homemade energy system.

A better alternative at this stage is DIY Solar Power, you can read more about it here DIY Solar Power.