Britannica
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- geothermal power - Environmental effects and economic costs
- Geothermal power - Con 2: Geothermal power plant construction can trigger earthquakes.
- Geothermal power - Con 3: Geothermal power plants can endanger water supplies and wildlife.
- Geothermal power - Pro 3: Geothermal power is a consistent, clean energy, with a small land footprint, making it less obtrusive to the natural landscape.
- geothermal power - Extraction and exhaustion
Which environmental effects can result from geothermal power development?
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geothermal energy
The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant, Iceland.
Geothermal power development involves several environmental considerations, though many can be mitigated with modern technology. Key effects include:1
- Land and Aesthetic Impact: Construction and exploration require land use, which may lead to noise and sight pollution. However, geothermal plants generally have a smaller land footprint compared to solar or wind farms.12
- Seismic Activity: Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) can induce seismicity, as the high-pressure injection of water into rock fractures has been linked to earthquakes in various regions.13
- Water and Air Quality: Geothermal systems may discharge water containing toxic heavy metals (such as arsenic, mercury, and nickel) and gases (including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide). Improper drilling or leakage can also contaminate groundwater.41
- Resource Management: Overpumping can lead to water scarcity or soil subsidence. Additionally, if heat extraction exceeds natural recharge rates, the resource may be exhausted.145
- Wildlife: Projects can encroach upon sensitive habitats, potentially endangering local species.4
While EGS technologies may require fossil fuel inputs and generate some greenhouse gases, these emissions are significantly lower than those from coal or natural gas power plants.1