Geothermal explained Geothermal energy and the environment

Clean energy

The environmental effects of geothermal energy depend on how it’s used. Direct-use applications (like heating buildings) and geothermal heat pumps have almost no negative effects on the environment. In fact, they can be good for the environment because the more we use geothermal resources, the less we use energy sources that are more harmful to the environment.

Geothermal power plant emissions

Unlike power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, geothermal power plants do not burn fuel to generate electricity. Although they may release small amounts of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, their emissions are far lower than fossil fuel-fired power plants:

• About 97% less sulfur compounds (which cause acid rain)
• About 99% less carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas)

Geothermal power plants use scrubbers to remove hydrogen sulfide, a gas naturally found in geothermal reservoirs. Most geothermal power plants also inject the steam and water they use back into the earth. This recycling helps renew the geothermal resource and further reduces emissions from the power plant.

Protecting natural geothermal features

Many beautiful geothermal features, such as geysers and fumaroles in Yellowstone National Park, are protected by law because they are considered natural treasures.