ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

1. Environmental Benefits
a. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions
 Geothermal power plants produce very low levels of greenhouse gas emissions,
making them one of the cleanest sources of energy.
 The majority of emissions come from minor sources like pumps, fans, and other
auxiliary equipment.
 Geothermal energy contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing the
carbon footprint of electricity generation.
 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
1. Environmental Benefits
b. Reduced Air Pollution
 Geothermal power plants release minimal air pollutants compared to fossil fuel-
based power plants.
 Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter
are virtually non-existent.
 This leads to improved air quality and reduced health risks in nearby
communities.
 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
2. Potential Environmental Concerns

a. Land Use
 Geothermal power plants require land for drilling wells, constructing
infrastructure, and power generation.
 Site selection and land use planning should minimize habitat disruption and
conflicts with other land uses.
 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
2. Potential Environmental Concerns

b. Subsurface Effects
 Extensive geothermal resource extraction can lead to subsurface effects, such as
reservoir pressure decline.
 This may affect nearby geothermal resources, groundwater levels, and geological
stability.
 MITIGATION MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

1. Responsible Land Use Planning

 Careful site selection and land use planning help mitigate habitat disruption and
land use conflicts.
 Regulations often require environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to assess and
address these concerns.
 MITIGATION MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

2. Subsurface Monitoring and Management

 Continuous monitoring of geothermal reservoirs ensures sustainable resource

management.
 Injection of fluids back into the reservoir (reinjection) helps maintain reservoir
pressure and mitigate subsurface effects.
 MITIGATION MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

3. Air Emissions Control

 Regulations mandate strict limits on emissions from geothermal power plants.

 Advanced emission control technologies can further reduce environmental
impact.
 MITIGATION MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

4. Water Management

 Responsible water management includes the treatment and disposal of geothermal

fluids to prevent contamination.
 Regulations ensure that discharged fluids meet water quality standards.
 MITIGATION MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

5. Community Engagement

 Engaging with local communities to address concerns and ensure that they benefit
from geothermal projects is essential.
 Project developers often collaborate with local stakeholders to create positive
social and economic outcomes.
 MITIGATION MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

6. Regulatory Oversight

 Government agencies and regulatory bodies oversee geothermal projects to

ensure compliance with environmental standards.
 These agencies have the authority to enforce regulations and impose penalties for
non-compliance.
 CONCLUSION

Now, as future mechanical engineers, it's vital to grasp the pivotal role of geothermal
energy in the renewable energy mix. Geothermal power is a steadfast and eco-friendly
contributor, offering consistent, baseload electricity that complements intermittent sources
like wind and solar. As we move towards a world powered by cleaner and more responsible
energy sources, geothermal energy stands as a beacon of hope.