Feasibility of Geothermal Energy in the United States Essay -- Clean A

Feasibility of Geothermal Energy in the United States Abstract Over the past years, gasoline and electricity have been the leading energy resources. The search for an alternative source of energy has become a complicated problem for scientists and an economic dilemma for America's public. Scientists have been trying to recognize geothermal energy as the next leading source of energy. In this research paper, I account for the inexpensive costs and different methods of gathering the geothermal energy of America. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy resource which can heat and cool buildings. Although there are some by-products, using a particular type of system can help stop their emission. In conclusion, the use of geothermal energy can be used at a grand scale in the United States. Introduction In today's society, the need for an alternative source of energy has become an increasingly important issue. As the world's natural resources, such as water and oil, raise concern over energy security (MIT, January 22, 2007, para. 9), studies have been performed to understand and use other forms of energy. In countries like the United States, consisting of a public that is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers and expense of today's resources, a different form of energy would not only help people in daily life but also set an example for the future of the world. Geothermal energy has the potential of becoming this next alternative form of energy. Geothermal energy, solar energy trapped inside the earth (Solar4Scolars, para. 5), works based on the idea that the surface of the earth remains at a constant temperature (between 57 and 65 Fahrenheit). Geothermal energy, a heating and cooling energy, can be effectively used by a t... ...oratory, Retrieved July, 23, 2007, from http://www.ees11.lanl.gov/EES11/Programs/HDR/documents/HDREnergy.pdf (2005). How Geothermal Energy Works. Union of Concerned Scientists, Retrieved July 24, 2007, from www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/offmen-how-geothermal-energy-works.html Nix, Gerald, (2001). About Geothermal Electricity. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Retrieved July 21, 2007, from www.nrel.gov/geothermal/geoelectricity.html Richard, Patti, (2007). MIT-led Panel Backs 'Heat Mining' as Key U.S. Energy Source. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/geothermal.html Feasibility of Geothermal Energy in the United States 14 (2006). Solar4Scholars: Geothermal Energy. The Solar Guide. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar4scholars/geothermal.aspx