Geothermal Energy Advantages,Disadvantages

Advantages of geothermal energy over other energy forms:

1) Geothermal energy is quite cheaper which means the cost of geothermal power is constant over the lifetime of the facility since no fuel is purchased and facility costs are largely fixed 

2) It is least polluting as compared to other conventional energy sources 

3) Geothermal energy is amenable for multiple uses from a single source 

4) Geothermal power plants have highest annual load factors of 85% to 90% compared to 45%-50% for fossil fuel plants. 

5) It is versatile in it's use 

6) It delivers greater amount of net energy from it's system as compared to other alternative or conventional systems. 

7) Geothermal energy from the earth's interior is almost as inexhaustible as solar or wind energy, so long as it's sources are actively sought and economically tapped. 

Disadvantages: 

1) The efficiency of power generation is less about 15% compared to 35%-40% for fossil fuel plants.

2) Noisy operation due to drilling 

3) Large area is required for the geothermal power generation 

4) The withdrawal of large amounts of steam or water from a hydrothermal reservoir may result in surface subsidence or settlement. 

5) Some geothermal plants do produce toxic solid materials, or sludges, that require disposal in approved sites.