Geothermals are great... If you live on the Pacific Coast

In order to lessen the strain on finite resources that are not environmentally friendly, it seems ideal for urban planning to focus on integrating “new", or “innovative” green technologies into city infrastructures. One of the “new” technologies commonly looked at is geothermal energy harvesting. It is arguable however, that geographical advantages allow for this type green technology to be employed in specific regions.

            In Klamath Falls, Oregon, a nearby resource has helped its 20,000 citizens to live comfortable lives in the wintertime without stamping a large ecological footprint. Since the 1990s, the town has relied on geothermal energy sources to heat the sidewalks and keep them clear of snow and ice, as well as to heat buildings in the downtown area and on a nearby college campus. The energy is derived from hot rock underground, which is carried to the surface by water. This is not an abnormal means of deriving energy on the west coast. Although geothermal sources make up a very small portion of national energy consumption, they manage to provide a good amount of energy in Northern California and Oregon. This energy is primarily harvested from geysers in Napa and Sonoma Counties, and its grid includes cities as large as San Francisco.

Learn More about Klamath Falls Here

            At the moment, this form of energy harvesting is considered to be a “greener” option. Derived from underground heat naturally provided by the Earth, geothermal energy can help its users save a significant amount of money on electricity bills, so long as they are willing to make a large initial investment. This is also true on a larger scale, and is one of the primary reasons that local governments have trouble taking the plunge, adopting geothermal energy into every day use.

The Advantages of Geothermal Energy 

            Initial investments are not the only drawback to this kind of energy production. While advocates of geothermal energy may argue that it is safe and dependable since the Earth’s magma constantly recycles itself, the technology is still in its early stages of development and its potential hazards have yet to be thoroughly researched. Obviously, when drilling into the earth, pressurized minerals and gasses are released which are highly corrosive and could become pollutants. Geothermal energy will not be our “saving grace”, since the release of these pressurized gasses will only exacerbate pollution problems when used in larger quantities.

Learn More About Geothermal Energy Use in California 

The Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Because energy consumption in the United States is so great, some environmental scientists worry geothermal resources could be depleted if used on a larger scale. In addition, since the U.S.’s largest naturally occurring geothermal sources are concentrated along the Pacific, and since geothermal heat cannot be consumed far from its source, the energy produced by geothermal methods would by no means be able to meet widespread American energy demands.

Clearly what may work for a small town in Oregon may not work for the whole country. But initiatives to provide greener methods of energy production are always a good thing. Governments can truly think globally but act locally if they harvest energy from an environmentally friendly source that is nearby. Klamath Falls is a great example; it has used its geography to its advantage and has been green in the process.  

Take A Look at the California Energy Aware Planning Guide, which provides tips for local governments seeking to be green