ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES TO THE UTILIZATION OF GEOTHERMAL-ENERGY

Geothermal energy is a technically-proven, cost effective source of el ectrical and thermal energy that has been utilized for many decades. R ecent estimates indicate that over 6700 MWe (megawatts electrical) and 8200 MWt (megawatts thermal) are currently developed throughout the w orld. This paper discusses the specific environmental advantages to th e development of geothermal electrical power and direct use projects a nd demonstrates how environmental impacts can be easily mitigated usin g existing technologies. In the areas of CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions, land disturbance per MWe and disposal of waste products, geothermal en ergy has significantly fewer impacts than most other energy sources, p articularly conventional fossil and nuclear fuels. Examples are sited where geothermal developments have occurred in pristine areas with no significant impacts and even offering the opportunity for improving en vironmental conditions. There is a strong need for energy policy maker s throughout the world to recognize the environmental advantages of ge othermal energy and to incorporate their economic value when pricing a nd selecting new sources of energy. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by El sevier Science Ltd.