Researchers from Southern Methodist University and Google have recently identified West Virginia as the largest geothermal hot spot in the eastern United States. Most were surprised that the coal capital of the world could be a major source of renewable energy in the future. Usually geothermal hot spots are found in areas with high tectonic activity, like the Western United States. However, new drilling technology would allow this hot spot to be used for commercial production.
The major issue surrounding this topic is whether or not West Virginia will choose to tap into this resource. Energy, electricity more specifically, is so cheap in W.VA that geothermal energy could not compete. Furthermore, coal companies will not want to support an energy source that could cut into their profits. It seems unlikely that lobbyists at the state house or in Congress will let legislation supporting geothermal energy to pass.
In today's world of shrinking energy sources, geothermal energy could be the answer to many problems. Unfortunately, this is least widely recognized type of renewable energy. Most people in the United States are focused on solar, hydroelectric, or wind energy. Other countries like Iceland have been using geothermal energy for years with much success. Although the United States is the world's leading producer, geothermal energy accounts for only five percent of renewable energy produced. This number is more significant when you take into account that only seven percent of all energy produced in the United States is renewable. For being the world's leading producer of geothermal energy, we have not fully explored the capabilities of this energy type.
I would support West Virginia in immediately developing geothermal energy. One of the many criticisms of renewable energy is that no infrastructure is in place to distribute the energy. However, West Virginia already has an extensive system in place to support coal fired power plants. Any geothermal power plants could just as easily be connected to the existing network. Clean and renewable energy could be supplied to Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware for low prices. Even if West Virginia does not want to use geothermal energy, this could be a great opportunity for the surrounding region.
Why do you think geothermal energy is an unfavorable resource to use, especially since it has shown effective results in countries like Iceland? Do you think that geothermal energy has the potential to provide employment for the people of West Virginia like the coal industry does? It seems as though geothermal energy is a cleaner, more sustainable energy system and it is also advantageous in that it can continuously supply. According to the UCSUSA, they state that geothermal energy prices are dropping and will continue to drop. With these types of advantages, geothermal energy may triumph coal energy in West Virginia, especially when the true costs of coal are accounted for.
ReplyDeleteGeothermal energy seems like a good type of energy to utilize for the present, but it is not something that we can become comfortable with because it is extremely limited. Innovation could be discouraged under the false pretense that geothermal energy will last forever and work for multiple areas in the country. The process of drilling and setting up a plant is enormous. Most importantly, the gases that could be released to the surface, such as hydrogen sulfide, are harmful. These disadvantages are important to address rather than just the coal companies not wanting to support the geothermal energy process.
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