Scientists believe geothermal power could meet roughly 10 percent of U.S. electricity needs by 2050

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

An 18-member panel led by MIT has prepared the first study in some 30 years to take a new look at the largely ignored area of geothermal energy.

Geothermal plants essentially mine heat by using wells at times a mile or more deep. These wells tap into hot rock and connect them with flowing water, producing large amounts of steam and super-hot water that can drive turbines and run electricity generators at the surface.

Unlike conventional power plants that burn coal, natural gas or oil, no fuel is required. And unlike solar power, a geothermal plant draws energy night and day.

[...]

... the panel now estimates geothermal power could meet roughly 10 percent of U.S. electricity needs by 2050. Their new study also finds the environmental impacts of geothermal development are markedly lower than conventional fossil fuel and nuclear power plants.

Tester and his colleagues emphasize that federally funded engineering research and development is still needed to lower risks and encourage investment by early adopters. The report also noted that meeting water requirements for geothermal plants may be an issue, particularly in arid regions. In addition, the potential for any seismic risks needs to be carefully monitored and managed.

http://www.livescience.com/environment/070...geothermal.html

[one...two...tree 2,762]

California use to allow homeowners to choose which energy supplier their electricity comes from. When I owned my home, I chose a geo-thermal company even though my bill came from So. Cal. Edison - it would indicate on the bill that they bought the energy from the source I chose. Unfortunately the utility companies lobbied to make it prohibited for God knows why.

[Ban Hammer 13,678]

California use to allow homeowners to choose which energy supplier their electricity comes from. When I owned my home, I chose a geo-thermal company even though my bill came from So. Cal. Edison - it would indicate on the bill that they bought the energy from the source I chose. Unfortunately the utility companies lobbied to make it prohibited for God knows why.

eliminate the competition

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

California use to allow homeowners to choose which energy supplier their electricity comes from. When I owned my home, I chose a geo-thermal company even though my bill came from So. Cal. Edison - it would indicate on the bill that they bought the energy from the source I chose. Unfortunately the utility companies lobbied to make it prohibited for God knows why.

Steven,

Usually, there is no choice given to homeowners as to where their energy comes from. When a grid gets energy from multiple sources, it is pretty much impossible to say where your energy came from. Energy is fungible.

However, many states (NJ included) offer an option to pay a small fee in addition to your regular monthly bill. The extra fee then gets used by your utility company to buy energy from a source of your choice, for inclusion in the grid.

Edited January 23, 2007 by Gupt

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

In New Jersey I've a suspicion that our power comes from Tarzan's #######. That would explain the questionable odours in certain industrial parts of the state

Edited January 23, 2007 by erekose

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

In New Jersey I've a suspicion that our power comes from Tarzan's #######. That would explain the questionable odours in certain industrial parts of the state

LOL get out of the Newark area already