Environmental impact of geothermal development, article by Jim Driscoll
Geothermal drilling rig at Jolokia, Australia (source: Geodynamics)
Alexander Richter
10 Jun 2010
n a recent issue of the EcoGeneration magazine in Australia, Jim Driscoll a consulting geoscientist at Hot Dry Rocks Pty Ltd. in Australia, looks at some of the facts regarding geothermal energy and its impact on the environment.
In a recent issue of the EcoGeneration magazine in Australia, Jim Driscoll a consulting geoscientist at Hot Dry Rocks Pty Ltd. in Australia, looks at some of the facts regarding geothermal energy and its impact on the environment.
In the article, which clearly takes an Australian view, he looks at earthquakes, induced seismicity, emissions, water issues, and cooling of the Earth.
He writes: “Unconventional (non-volcanic) geothermal energy has been heralded by many as one of the cornerstones for Australia’s future low-emissions, base load power generation. Such a goal, no matter how appealing, will necessarily have some environmental impacts. On balance though, these costs should be vastly lower than the environmental price we currently pay for fossil fuel power generation.”
Very interesting read and something that answers a few of those critical articles on EGS, or Enhanced Geothermal Systems.
For the full article see link below.
Source: EcoGeneration
