1. Geothermal energy is heat from the Earth’s interior

(S) It is a renewable resource that can be used without depletion.

(D) It is sustainable and eco-friendly, producing minimal carbon emissions.

(SE) This ensures long-term, clean energy generation for Iceland, reducing its carbon footprint by over 40%.

2. Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

(S) This gives Iceland access to significant geothermal resources.

(D) The country has 130 volcanoes and over 600 hot springs.

(SE) These natural features allow Iceland to generate a substantial amount of geothermal energy.

3. Geothermal energy is generated by pumping hot water from underground reservoirs

(S) Hot water from volcanic activity is pumped to the surface.

(D) It creates superheated steam that drives turbines.

(SE) This powers homes and businesses efficiently and sustainably.

4. Wells are drilled to extract hot water

(S) The water turns to steam at the surface.

(D) Steam powers turbines to generate electricity.

(SE) This is a highly efficient process with minimal environmental impact.

5. Geothermal energy provides 30% of Iceland’s electricity

(S) This reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

(D) The energy is clean, renewable, and cost-effective.

(SE) It ensures a consistent energy supply and supports Iceland’s green energy goals.

6. Hot water left over is used for district heating

(S) Around 87% of Iceland’s buildings are heated using geothermal energy.

(D) This reduces the country’s carbon emissions.

(SE) It makes district heating affordable and environmentally friendly.

7. Geothermal energy heats greenhouses

(S) This allows year-round farming despite the cold climate.

(D) Iceland is largely self-sufficient in food production.

(SE) This supports the local economy and reduces food imports.

8. Geothermal energy is used in fish farming

(S) It creates ideal temperatures for species like salmon.

(D) This supports Iceland’s fishing industry.

(SE) It helps maintain sustainable food production.

9. Iceland plans to expand geothermal production

(S) The Iceland Deep Drilling Project aims to increase electricity production.

(D) It will reach over 1,000 meters to access more geothermal resources.

(SE) This could double Iceland’s electricity output by 2027.

10. Geothermal energy supports tourism

(S) The Blue Lagoon, formed by geothermal energy, attracts thousands of visitors annually.

(D) The mineral-rich waters have health benefits.

(SE) Tourism boosts Iceland’s economy and supports geothermal projects.

11. Geothermal energy is low-cost and emission-free

(S) It supports energy security and economic growth.

(D) It also helps meet environmental goals by reducing emissions.

(SE) Iceland is a global leader in geothermal energy.

12. Geothermal energy has reduced CO₂ emissions by 40%

(S) Using renewable energy has significantly cut Iceland’s carbon footprint.

(D) Geothermal energy plays a key role in reducing Iceland’s reliance on fossil fuels.

(SE) Iceland’s clean energy initiatives are internationally recognised.

13. Plans are underway to export geothermal electricity

(S) The ‘Ice-Link’ interconnector will allow Iceland to sell electricity to the UK.

(D) It is expected to be operational by 2027.

(SE) This will expand Iceland’s energy market and increase export revenue.

You need a diagram also - a simplified version of the one below

Good News - you can also potentially use your Geothermal knowledge to answer a question in the Economic Geography Section. You just need to learn the advantages and disadvantages.

Renewable Energy Source Identified: Geothermal Energy

1. Geothermal energy is heat energy generated from the Earth’s interior
   (S) Geothermal energy is heat energy generated from the Earth’s interior.
   (D) It is a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly energy source.
   (SE) This makes it a reliable option for energy production.

Economic Advantages:

2. Geothermal energy is a low-cost energy source in the long term
   S) Geothermal energy is a low-cost energy source in the long term.
   (D) Once the infrastructure is built, the operating costs are relatively low compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources.
   (SE) This makes it a highly cost-effective solution for energy production.

3. Geothermal energy reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels
   (S) Geothermal energy reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
   (D) Countries like Iceland, which utilize geothermal energy, no longer need to import as much oil or coal, saving on energy costs.
   (SE) This boosts energy security and reduces the trade deficit.

4. It provides a constant and reliable supply of energy
   (S) It provides a constant and reliable supply of energy.
   (D) Unlike solar or wind energy, geothermal power is not dependent on weather conditions, meaning it can generate electricity 24/7.
   (SE) This ensures consistent energy availability, benefiting industries and households alike.

5. Geothermal energy supports local economies by creating jobs
   (S) Geothermal energy supports local economies by creating jobs.
   (D) The development, construction, and operation of geothermal plants generate employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
   (SE) This helps stimulate local economic growth.

6. Geothermal power can attract foreign investment
   (S) Geothermal power can attract foreign investment.
   (D) Iceland has seen increased investment from energy-intensive industries like aluminium smelting, attracted by the availability of cheap, renewable energy.
   (SE) This leads to further economic development.

7. Geothermal energy reduces energy costs for households and industries
   (S) Geothermal energy reduces energy costs for households and industries.
   (D) In Iceland, 87% of buildings are heated using geothermal energy, drastically cutting heating costs for consumers.
   (SE) This makes it an affordable option for homes and businesses.

8. It supports tourism, providing an economic boost
   (S) It supports tourism, providing an economic boost.
   (D) Geothermal sites like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland have become major tourist attractions.
   (SE) Revenues generated from tourism help to support the local and national economy.

Environmental Advantages:

9. Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable energy source
   (S) Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable energy source.
   (D) It does not rely on burning fossil fuels, meaning it produces almost no greenhouse gases.
   (SE) This makes it a key player in efforts to combat climate change.

10. It significantly reduces CO₂ emissions
    (S) It significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.
    (D) By replacing fossil fuels with geothermal energy, countries like Iceland have reduced their carbon footprint, cutting CO₂ emissions by over 40%.
    (SE) This contributes to global efforts to reduce atmospheric pollution.

11. Geothermal energy has a minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuel extraction
    (S) Geothermal energy has a minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuel extraction.
    (D) Geothermal plants have a small land footprint and require far less surface disruption than coal or oil extraction.
    (SE) This helps preserve natural landscapes and ecosystems.

12. Geothermal power plants have long operational lifespans
    (S) Geothermal power plants have long operational lifespans.
    (D) Once constructed, these plants can run for decades, providing continuous clean energy with minimal maintenance.
    (SE) This ensures a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply.

13. Geothermal energy conserves water resources
    (S) Geothermal energy conserves water resources.
    (D) The water used in geothermal plants is often recycled within the system, meaning there is little to no waste or contamination of local water sources.
    (SE) This reduces the strain on freshwater ecosystems.

14. It helps reduce air pollution
    (S) It helps reduce air pollution.
    (D) Since geothermal energy does not burn fuels, there is no release of harmful particulates or sulphur dioxide, which are major contributors to smog and respiratory diseases.
    (SE) This improves air quality and public health.

15. Geothermal plants can coexist with local wildlife and agriculture
    (S) Geothermal plants can coexist with local wildlife and agriculture.
    (D) The low environmental impact means that geothermal sites do not interfere with farming or wildlife habitats.
    (SE) In Iceland, geothermal energy even supports greenhouse farming, allowing food production in harsh climates.

Condensed SRP Summary List for Geothermal Energy for Timed Exam

1. Renewable Energy Source

Geothermal energy, generated from the Earth’s interior, is a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly energy source, making it a reliable option for energy production.

2. Low-Cost Energy

Geothermal energy is a low-cost energy source in the long term; once infrastructure is built, operating costs are relatively low compared to fossil fuels, making it cost-effective for energy production.

3. Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels

By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, countries like Iceland save on energy costs and boost energy security, enhancing economic independence.

4. Constant Energy Supply

Geothermal energy provides a constant and reliable supply, generating electricity 24/7 regardless of weather conditions, ensuring consistent availability for industries and households.

5. Job Creation

Geothermal energy supports local economies by creating jobs in the development, construction, and operation of geothermal plants, stimulating economic growth in the region.

6. Attracts Foreign Investment

The availability of cheap, renewable energy from geothermal sources attracts foreign investment, as seen in Iceland with energy-intensive industries like aluminium smelting, leading to further economic development.

7. Lower Energy Costs

Geothermal energy reduces energy costs for households and industries, with 87% of buildings in Iceland heated using geothermal energy, significantly lowering heating expenses for consumers.

8. Supports Tourism

Geothermal energy supports tourism, providing an economic boost with attractions like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, generating revenue that benefits the local and national economy.

9. Clean Energy Source

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable source that produces almost no greenhouse gases, positioning it as a key player in combating climate change.

10. Reduced CO₂ Emissions

Countries like Iceland have significantly reduced CO₂ emissions by replacing fossil fuels with geothermal energy, cutting their carbon footprint by over 40% and contributing to global pollution reduction efforts.

11. Minimal Environmental Impact

Geothermal energy has a minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuel extraction, with smaller land footprints and less surface disruption, helping preserve natural landscapes.

12. Long Operational Lifespan

Geothermal power plants have long operational lifespans, running for decades with minimal maintenance, ensuring a sustainable energy supply.

13. Water Conservation

Geothermal energy conserves water resources by recycling water within the system, reducing waste and contamination of local water sources, which helps protect freshwater ecosystems.

14. Improved Air Quality

Geothermal energy helps reduce air pollution by eliminating the release of harmful particulates and sulphur dioxide, thus improving air quality and public health.

15. Coexistence with Wildlife

Geothermal plants can coexist with local wildlife and agriculture, as their low environmental impact allows for continued farming and wildlife habitats, even supporting greenhouse farming in harsh climates.