Download - Group X-
Is ecological damage worth the benefits of creating a geothermal energy plant?
http://www.edupics.com/geyser-eruption-yellowstone-national-park-t8756.jpg
Potential impacts on groundwater
Metal-rich geothermal waters could:
o leach into soil and vegetation
o enter food chain of mammals
Adverse impacts on hydrology and geothermal dynamics of hot springs, pools, and geysers
Integrity of geysers can be compromised over time
Yellowstone
Is the solution of reinjection of water into geothermal systems worth inducing seismic activity?
http://images.forbes.com/media/2008/08/19/geothermal_diagram_426x274.jpg
•Reinjecting water lubricates fault lines, releasing tectonic stress
• E.g. Yellowstone has a history of major volcanic events
However
•Decreases depletion of geothermal fluids and pressure
•Favours gradual release of tectonic stress
•May prevent ground subsidence
In our dossier, would you rather read about direct or indirect geothermal energy?
Right: http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/geothermal.gif
Left: http://www.directenergy.com.au/pics/swimming_pool.jpg
Direct: e.g. using to heat pools Indirect: Converting to electrical energy
Economics vs. outputs: If you were Canada’s finance minister, would you allocate money to the advancement of geothermal
technology?
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/geothermal/geothermalrights.htm
In a Canadian context, should solar power be emphasized as much as other renewable
energy sources?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Solar_land_area.png
Should solar energy be used for residential purposes or industrial?
Left: http://www.trendir.com/green/residential-solar-sunpower-5.jpg
http://www.solarforbuildings.com/commonfiles/Libraries/PhotoAlbums/industrial_solar_power_system.jpg
Right: