To save the earth and meet the Paris Agreement’s goal, the most important thing is that we need to transition to renewable energy. Experts believe that our earth will be saved and safe from this transition. This energy can be wind energy and solar energy also. Similarly, there is geothermal energy and fossil fuels energy, and other energy which are popular and is being worked on.
Key Takeaways
- Geothermal energy is a sustainable and renewable resource, while fossil fuels are finite and contribute to environmental degradation.
- Geothermal power plants emit significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuel power plants.
- Fossil fuels provide a more consistent energy supply, whereas geothermal energy production can be limited by location and resource availability.
Geothermal Energy vs Fossil Fuels Energy
The difference between geothermal energy and fossil fuels energy is that geothermal energy is renewable energy, while fossil fuels energy is not renewable. The sustainability between these two energies is also one of the main differences that sets them apart from each other. Mainly geothermal energy comes from the heat generated by the earth.
Geothermal is made up of two words – geo, which means earth, and the other thermal or thermos, which means heat. The energy present on the lower surface of the earth is used to meet our needs. This energy is known as geothermal energy. The reason for this energy is the heat received from the Sun, volcanic activity, radioactive decay absorbed by minerals, and the heat received during the formation of the Earth. This heat is continuously absorbed from the lower surface of the Earth to its core.
Fossil fuel energy is directly related to dead fossils. These fossils are mainly obtained from trees and vegetation. These are converted into oil, gas, and coal by decomposition over millions of years. This is what is called fossil fuel. These fossils also help in fulfilling human needs. They belong to the time of time immemorial, that is, they are very ancient. These are non-renewable sources, and we cannot use them in the future.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Geothermal Energy | Fossil Fuels Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The energy present on the lower surface of the earth is used to meet our needs. It is known as geothermal energy. | Fossil fuel energy is directly related to dead fossils which are mainly obtained from trees, vegetation. |
| Extraction technology | The technology still needs to work on its own to extract geothermal energy. This is the reason that humans are not able to fully utilize this energy | Fossil fuels are being easily removed from the technological system and they can meet the demand of mankind. |
| Expensive | Geothermal energy is very expensive. | Fossil fuels energy is cheaper. |
| Properties | Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy. | Fossil fuels energy is a non-renewable source of energy. |
| Constant | Geothermal energy is stable and lasts forever. | Fossil fuels energy is rapidly depleting over time. |
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is the heat obtained from the earth’s surface. This heat mixes in the rocks and liquids of the Earth. It can also be found in hot-to-hot molten magma. The generation of power is the main work of this energy. In addition, it is connected to a generator to deliver electricity to a deep well in an underground reservoir containing hot water, steam, and turbines. This energy is of three types – dry steam, flash, and binary.
The first of these is the most technical form in which steam has to be driven out of the ground and is primarily used to drive turbines. Flash is used to reduce the pressure of hot water. The binary is then finally treated with hot water of low boiling point, which turns it into steam and helps drive the turbine.
According to the British Geological Survey, this geothermal energy is considered very useful. It is a carbon-free, sustainable form of renewable energy that provides heat. It provides heat to every home and office and generates electricity. This geothermal energy is capable of removing only 1/6 of the CO2 generated from natural gas and is not considered a source of solar energy.
What is Fossil Fuels Energy?
Fossil fuel energy is directly related to dead fossils. These fossils are mainly obtained from trees and vegetation. These are converted into oil, gas, and coal by decomposition over millions of years. This is what is called fossil fuel. These fossils also help in fulfilling human needs. They belong to the time of time immemorial, that is, they are very ancient. These are non-renewable sources, and we cannot use them in the future.
Over time, different types of formations took place in fossil fuels. These different types of fuels completely depend on organic matter. This shows how old they are, and their temperature and pressure conditions, etc.
In this way, they were divided into three main parts, which are as follows:
The first is coal which is obtained from the burial of trees and plants. It comes out of the pressure and heat that is on it. The second one is the oil which is made from microscopic bacteria such as algae and zooplankton. Due to excessive pressure on them, they got converted into oil.
And third is natural gas, which is made by the same process as oil but takes a little time. So in this way, they get decomposed, and after many years we get them as fuel.
Main Differences Between Geothermal Energy and Fossil Fuels Energy
- Both energies are natural, but Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source, while fossil fuels energy is a non-renewable source.
- Geothermal energy does not cause any pollution, whereas burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that contaminate the environment and promote global warming.
- Geothermal energy is mainly used to generate more electricity, whereas this is not the case with fossil fuel energy, it is more flexible.
- The technology still needs to work on its own to extract geothermal energy. This is the reason that humans are not able to fully utilize this energy while fossil fuels are being easily removed from the technological system, and they can meet the demand of mankind.
- Geothermal energy is stable and lasts forever, whereas fossil fuels are rapidly depleting over time.
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-030-71685-1.pdf
- https://www.mdpi.com/18600
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032102000023
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