Myths about Geothermal Heating
Myth #1:Geothermal heating is not viable in areas like Ithaca, NY
Fact:Geothermal heat pumps can be used anywhere in the United States, however, some areas are more efficient than others.
Myth #2: In the future, we could run out of geothermal energy.
Fact:Geothermal energy is produced from the earth's natural ground temperature and producing energy from this does not deplete the earth's natural heat so it will never run out.
Myth #3:Geothermal energy cannot cause earthquakes.
Fact:The process to utilize a geothermal heat reservoir is very similar to the process used in hydraulic fracking. To create an enhanced geothermal system pressured fluid is pumped about 3 kilometers6 into the earth to fracture the rock and create a reservoir. This process creates very small earthquakes, much like fracking, that usually cannot be felt by humans. Additionally, the pressured water that is pumped in the rock could interact with existing faults and induce larger earthquakes, like wastewater injection from oil and natural gas processes.
More information can be found in the following publication:
5 Common Geothermal Energy Myths Debunked. (n.d.).https://energy.gov/eere/articles/5-common-geothermal-energy-myths-debunked
Giardini, D. (2009). Geothermal quake risks must be faced. Nature, 462(7275), 848-849. doi:10.1038/462848a
Photo: https://www.greenandgrowing.org/why-is-geothermal-energy-considered-a-renewable-resource/