Geothermal power plants do not burn fuel to generate electricity, so the levels of air pollutants they emit are low. Geothermal power plants emit 97% less acid rain-causing sulfur compounds and about 99% less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel power plants of similar size. Geothermal power plants use scrubbers to remove the hydrogen sulfide naturally found in geothermal reservoirs. Most geothermal power plants inject the geothermal steam and water that they use back into the earth. This recycling helps to renew the geothermal resource.
Geothermal systems can be found in all types of structures from residential housing to commercial buildings. From new construction to existing structures, luxury homes and middle-class homes to townhomes and condos, geothermal systems are becoming a valuable option. More builders are seeking geothermal technology to increase energy efficiency and reduce their ‘carbon footprint’. Benefits that conventional heating and cooling systems just can’t match.