Get Summary: Created Oregon Geothermal ... - Oregon - Oregon . Gov - Oregon

Oregon's first geothermal power plant began operating in 2010 at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. The initial electricity-generating capacity was 280 kilowatts. A second plant at OIT generates 1.75​ megawatts of power.

Geothermal energy is heat energy from the earth—Geo (earth) + thermal (heat). Geothermal resources are reservoirs of hot water that exist or are human made at varying temperatures and depths below the earth's surface.

At these areas geothermal energy is at depths we can reach by drilling. In other areas all over the world, it is just too deep to reach. Second reason: it has high capital expenses. Drilling and power plant costs are somehow high.

In 1904, Italian scientist Piero Ginori Conti successfully used geothermal energy to power a small generator capable of lighting several light bulbs. This modest beginning was the foundation for much larger experiments, and in 1913, Larderello became the site of the world's first commercial geothermal power plant.

Pros and cons of geothermal energy Pros Of Geothermal EnergyCons Of Geothermal EnergyReliable source of powerLocation dependentSmall land footprintHigh initial costsUsable for large and small-scale installationsCan lead to surface instabilityThe geothermal energy industry is expanding1 more row • 10 Nov 2021

Disadvantages of geothermal energy Environmental issues. There is an abundance of greenhouse gases below the surface of the earth. ... Surface instability (earthquakes) The construction of geothermal power plants can affect the stability of the land. ... Expensive. ... Location-specific. ... Sustainability issues.

Air and water pollution are two leading environmental issues associated with geothermal energy technologies. Additional concerns are the safe disposal of hazardous waste, siting and land subsidence. Most geothermal power plants require a large amount of water for cooling or other purposes.

Geothermal energy disadvantages include: Potential emissions – Greenhouse gas below Earth's surface can rise to the surface. Surface Instability – The construction of large geothermal power plants can trigger an earthquake. High cost for electricity – Set up cost can be higher than other forms of energy.