Nuclear Energy or Geothermal Energy?
NUCLEAR ENERGY VS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
RESEARCH QUESTION 1) What are the advantages of geothermal energy compared to nuclear energy in order to supply electrical energy to all residents? 2) Between nuclear energy and geothermal energy, which one is the best choice in making as the source of electrical energy? 3) What is the pros and cons of nuclear energy and geothermal energy?
FINDING RESOURCES
Geothermal Energy
Definition:
* Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. * Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. * The Geothermal energy of the Earth's crust originates from the original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of minerals (80%). * The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heat from the core to the surface. * The adjective geothermal originates from the Greek roots γη (ge), meaning earth, and θερμος (thermos), meaning hot. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energy Advantages: * Almost entirely emission free. * No carbon. * The process can scrub out sulfur that might have otherwise been released. * No fuel required (no mining or transportation). * Not subject to the same fluctuations as solar or wind. * Smallest land footprint. * Virtually limitless supply. * Inherently simple and reliable. * Can provide base load or peak power. * Already cost competitive in some areas. * Could be built underground. * Some level of geothermal energy available most places. * New technologies show promise to utilize lower temperatures.
Disadvantages:
* Prime sites are very location-specific. * Prime sites are often far from population centers. * Losses due to long distance transmission of electricity. * Water usage. * Sulfur dioxide and silica
RESEARCH QUESTION 1) What are the advantages of geothermal energy compared to nuclear energy in order to supply electrical energy to all residents? 2) Between nuclear energy and geothermal energy, which one is the best choice in making as the source of electrical energy? 3) What is the pros and cons of nuclear energy and geothermal energy?
FINDING RESOURCES
Geothermal Energy
Definition:
* Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. * Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. * The Geothermal energy of the Earth's crust originates from the original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of minerals (80%). * The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heat from the core to the surface. * The adjective geothermal originates from the Greek roots γη (ge), meaning earth, and θερμος (thermos), meaning hot. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energy Advantages: * Almost entirely emission free. * No carbon. * The process can scrub out sulfur that might have otherwise been released. * No fuel required (no mining or transportation). * Not subject to the same fluctuations as solar or wind. * Smallest land footprint. * Virtually limitless supply. * Inherently simple and reliable. * Can provide base load or peak power. * Already cost competitive in some areas. * Could be built underground. * Some level of geothermal energy available most places. * New technologies show promise to utilize lower temperatures.
Disadvantages:
* Prime sites are very location-specific. * Prime sites are often far from population centers. * Losses due to long distance transmission of electricity. * Water usage. * Sulfur dioxide and silica