What is Not So Great About Geothermal
Posted on December 18th, 2007 by Lawrence Molloy
Geothermal is not without its challenges and impacts. With a coordinated and respectful investment in geothermal technology, policy review and siting, it is believed that costs can be reduced by 2 cents per kWe. Here is a list of challenges today:
· Waste and process waters· Steam and viewshed impacts· Redrilling every 3-5 years· High O & M cost (this will come down measurably, but not drastically)· High initial drilling costs (design goal was 50% reduction, only achieved 20%)· Neglected for 20 years in national energy policy· The geothermal intelligentsia were on the verge of becoming a legacy· A whole heap of technological challenges remain· The interface of some near surface sources and sacred waters
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