Group X-

Geothermal Energy

Solar Energy

Karrie, Krista, Fahim, Yohan, Mariana

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:

In our dossier, should we focus more on concentrated solar power or photovoltaic cells?

Concentrated Photovoltaic

Right: http://www.greenhabitatdesign.com/Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Panels%202.jpg

Left: http://ecotality.com/life/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/csp_3.jpg