Geothermal - Energy Policy Analysis: A Conceptual Framework - page 141

options. Geothermal power plants are severely restricted by the location of high-temperature steam
and water resources. Dollar costs for central-station generation of electricity by geothermal power
plants are almost competitive with conventional fuels for central-station generation of electric-
ity and are “moderately high.” National security costs for all geothermal technologies are very
“low” or negligible because geothermal resources are a domestic resource. This is a significant
advantage geothermal technologies hold over other energy technologies that may be acquired
from foreign sources, may contribute to global climate change, or may leave a legacy of long-term
waste products attractive to terrorists.
Geothermal heat pump technologies do not produce much hazardous waste. Geothermal power
is also environmentally advantageous because its energy supply will never run out and cannot be
controlled by any combination of foreign governments. For the foreseeable future, geothermal
resources will always be available on this planet, providing energy that geothermal technologies
can exploit. Creating the components of geothermal technology is extremely easy, does not require
mining or drilling in a politically dangerous locale, and can be acquired without involvement of
unreliable political allies. Of the various geothermal technologies, geothermal heat pumps hold
the greatest promise for rapid market penetration utilizing recent innovations in financing, instal-
lation, and ownership arrangements.
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