Which Best Contrasts Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy?

Which best contrasts hydroelectric power and geothermal energy?

a. Turbines are used in power plants that harness only geothermal energy but not hydroelectric power. 

b. Turbines are used in power plants that produce hydroelectric power but not geothermal energy.

c. In the US, geothermal energy is a more widely used energy source than hydroelectric power. 

d. In the US, hydroelectric power is a more widely used energy source than geothermal energy.

Answer: d. In the US, hydroelectric power is a more widely used energy source than geothermal energy.

Explanation:

Renewable energy sources are becoming more important as society seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Two such renewable energy sources are hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. While both provide clean energy, there are significant differences between the two in terms of their process, use, and advantages and disadvantages. This blog post will contrast hydroelectric power and geothermal energy, with a focus on their use in the US, and argue that hydroelectric power is more widely used in the country.

Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy are two important renewable energy sources that provide clean energy to society. Hydroelectric power is produced by the kinetic energy of falling water, while geothermal energy is produced by the heat of the earth's core. This blog post will provide an overview of these two energy sources and contrast their use in the US.

Overview of Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy

Hydroelectric power is produced by the kinetic energy of falling water, which drives turbines that generate electricity. The process involves building a dam or diversion structure to control the flow of water, which is then channeled through turbines to generate electricity. The amount of electricity produced depends on the volume of water flowing and the height from which it falls.

Geothermal energy is produced by harnessing the heat from the earth's core. Geothermal power plants use hot water or steam from underground reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process involves drilling deep into the earth's surface to access these hot water or steam reservoirs.

The two energy sources differ in their source of energy, with hydroelectric power relying on the kinetic energy of falling water, and geothermal energy relying on the heat of the earth's core. Additionally, turbines are used in power plants that harness only geothermal energy but not hydroelectric power.

Production of Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy in the US

In the US, hydroelectric power is a more widely used energy source than geothermal energy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, hydroelectric power accounted for 6% of total US energy consumption in 2020, while geothermal energy accounted for less than 1%.

Hydroelectric power is the largest source of renewable energy in the US, and it is produced in 48 states. The country has over 2,500 hydroelectric power plants, with a total installed capacity of over 100 GW. The Hoover Dam in Nevada and the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State are two examples of large-scale hydroelectric power plants.

In contrast, geothermal energy is only produced in eight states in the US, with California being the largest producer. The country has 91 geothermal power plants, with a total installed capacity of 3.8 GW.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Hydroelectric power has several advantages, including its ability to provide reliable, stable, and predictable electricity. It is also a mature technology that has been used for over a century, with a long operational life of up to 50 years. However, it has some disadvantages, including the need for a large initial capital investment, the impact on local ecosystems, and the potential for dam failure.

Geothermal energy has advantages, including its low carbon footprint, high efficiency, and availability as a baseload power source. It also has the potential for co-production of heat and electricity, and the ability to provide heating and cooling to buildings. However, it has disadvantages, including the high cost of initial drilling and exploration, the need for a specific geological setting, and the potential for contamination of the geothermal reservoir.

Future of Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy

The future of hydroelectric power and geothermal energy looks promising, with both energy sources having the potential for growth and expansion. Hydroelectric power is a mature and well-established energy source, with many existing dams and hydropower plants in the United States. However, the growth of hydroelectric power in the future may be limited by the availability of suitable sites for new dams and hydropower facilities.

On the other hand, geothermal energy is a relatively new and emerging energy source in the United States. As technology continues to improve and costs decrease, it is expected that the use of geothermal energy will continue to grow in the future. The US Department of Energy has set a goal of increasing geothermal energy production to 18,000 megawatts by 2025, which is nearly triple the current capacity.

Another factor that will play a significant role in the future of hydroelectric power and geothermal energy is the increasing demand for clean and renewable energy. As concerns over climate change and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels continue to grow, the demand for clean energy sources will only increase.

In conclusion, both hydroelectric power and geothermal energy have their advantages and disadvantages, and their suitability will depend on the specific conditions and requirements of each location. While hydroelectric power is currently a more widely used energy source than geothermal energy in the United States, the future of both energy sources looks promising, and both have the potential for growth and expansion in the coming years.