GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Geothermal Energy Environmental Impact—geothermal energy generation is considered to have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other forms of energy generation. Geothermal power plants emit very low levels of greenhouse gases during electricity generation. The emissions primarily come from the release of small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gases associated with the extraction and reinjection of geothermal fluids. Such plants require a certain amount of land for infrastructure, including drilling wells, building power plants, and constructing transmission lines, as well as water for the extraction and production of geothermal energy. Therefore, setting environmental assessment is must to minimize the impact on sensitive habitats, ecosystems, and areas with limited water resources. Geothermal fluids extracted from the reservoir contain naturally occurring minerals and chemicals that need to be managed properly as some of these substances can be corrosive or toxic. Geothermal energy extraction is associated with induced seismicity, which occur as small earthquakes triggered by fluid injection or extraction processes. The seismicity is usually of low magnitude and rarely causes significant damage. Proper monitoring and management of the geothermal reservoir are essential to minimize the risk and ensure safety.