Sanjeev Mansotra - Geothermal Energy is Cleaner Alternative to Fossil Fuels

Geothermal energy has come to light as a promising answer in the search for environmentally responsible and sustainable energy sources. Geothermal energy, which uses the natural heat of the Earth as its source, offers a healthier substitute for fossil fuels and has many advantages for the environment as well as our energy requirements. Renewable energy is constantly developing in India and so are its applications. The government has set a target to become energy independence with net zero emissions by 2070 by putting renewable sources of energy in the prime focus.

The government is also promoting the use of solar energy in various forms to meet electricity demands. “Energy for all” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” etc, are the initiatives of the government to promote renewable energy. Prominent Private entities like TATA, Reliance, and many others are also working in this field. Sanjeev Mansotra, Planet One Group mentor thinks that geothermal energy is a potential source of energy alternative to fossil fuels.

Harnessing The Earth's Heat:

Geothermal energy uses the heat that naturally exists within the Earth and is produced by processes like the radioactive decay of minerals and the lingering heat from the planet's genesis. Geothermal power plants can access this heat by drilling wells into the Earth's crust to access hot water and steam reservoirs. After that, turbines are powered by high-pressure steam to produce energy. Since the Earth's heat is almost inexhaustible, geothermal energy is renewable unlike fossil fuels, making it a plentiful and sustainable source of power.

The Environmental Benefits:

Geothermal energy has a lot of benefits for the environment. Compared to fossil fuels, it emits very little greenhouse gas and has a very small carbon impact. Geothermal power plants reduce air pollution and the negative consequences of climate change because they don't rely on the burning of fuel. Geothermal projects also have a relatively minimal land footprint, which makes them suitable for a variety of geographical regions. Geothermal energy is a continuous and dependable source of energy because it is not reliant on the weather like other renewable sources like wind or solar are.

Versatility and Cost-Efficiency:

Geothermal energy is adaptable and has several uses outside only producing electricity. It can be used to heat and cool structures, like homes and businesses, using district heating systems and geothermal heat pumps. High-efficiency geothermal heat pumps use the Earth's constant temperature to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Geothermal systems can cost more to install initially than conventional heating and cooling systems, but over time they will save you a lot of money because of their lower long-term operating expenses.

Geothermal Energy in India:

Due to a rise in energy demand, India is switching to renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy. The Puga Valley in Ladakh is the most promising of the 350 geothermal energy sites that the Geological Survey of India has identified. The Himalayas, Sohana, West Coast, Cambay, Godavari, Mahanadi, and Son-Narmada-Tapi are only a few of the geothermal regions in India that have the capacity to produce 10,600 MW of power.

Conclusion:

In contrast to wind and solar energy, geothermal energy has difficulties with project development and finance. India has the ability to produce 10 GW of electricity, which is equal to the global capacity. Through international cooperation with nations like the US, Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand, it aims to harness 10,000 GW by 2030. Since geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, Sanjeev Mansotra Dubai-based Businessman sees this form of energy as a significant contributor to the clean energy transition and it should be harnessed appropriately.