Geothermal Energy! HELP** 10 points..?

Question

1. How long will geothermal energy last? Is it possible for it to run out, if so when?

2. How long is the lifespan of geothermal power plants?

3. Is it feasible for Vermont to use geothermal energy?

*please include sources! :D

Thanks A LOT in advance, you have no idea how much this would help me.

And yes, I have searched Google but I'm not finding much.. :/

Answer 1

The power comes from the molten interior of our planet, and the power plants do not significantly cool it.  It is unlikely to run out within the next 1,000 years  

2.  I would expect a g. pwr. plant to last over 40 years.  

3.  http://www.nevadageothermal.com/s/Geothe...

shows that Vermont would not be the best place for a geothermal power plant. (But geothermal heat pumps would be OK)

http://d-training.aots.or.jp/ioe/ioe6-1....

says geothermal power plants can only be constructed in volcanic areas.

Answer 2

1) depends on what is supplying the heat. Yes it can easily be temporarily used up. But given time every geothermal well will saturate with heat again. The question is how much time.

2) Like all power plants they are designed to have replaceable parts. So technically forever.

3) Yes, but I have no idea if it is ideal. The issue is how far down you have to go, not if it is possible. The further you go down, the hotter it gets. However companies are only interested in the shallow wells. Deeper wells have higher risks of collapse. Are there any hot springs in your state, if there are then geothermal power plants are easily done.

Answer 3

1.  Geothermal energy will last as long as the earth's crust is still shifting and moving.  When that stops, then the whole planet turns into just a big massive rock with no internal heat, the atmosphere disintegrates, and the planet basically dies.  We'll be like Mars is now.  I don't think that's gonna happen any time soon though!

2.  I've heard of geothermal plants in California that have been operational since the 60's.

3.  The western part of the country is supposed to have the highest geothermal potential (think Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park), but you can tap into geothermal energy pretty much any where.  It really depends on your exact location rather than just "vermont".

Answer 4

Here's an article from the Eagle Times about geothermal site in Bellows Falls, Vermont.  

This was in either this week's or last week's paper!