Question

Examine the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable power source.

Hint:

Remember the key features of Geothermal Energy:

• Renewable and inexhaustible.

• Available throughout the year.

• Very low carbon emissions.

• Reliable base-load electricity.

• Major Indian site: Puga Valley (Ladakh).
Easy memory trick: \[ \boxed{\text{Earth's Heat = Geothermal Energy = Clean + Continuous + Sustainable}} \]

Answer 1

Step 1: Explain the source of this energy.
Geothermal energy taps the natural heat stored deep inside the earth, produced by radioactive decay in rocks, and uses it to generate steam that drives turbines.
Step 2: Highlight its biggest strength.
Unlike solar or wind power, this heat is available day and night in every season, so geothermal plants can supply steady, reliable electricity.
Step 3: Note where India can use it.
Sites such as Puga Valley in Ladakh, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh and Tattapani in Chhattisgarh show that India has real geothermal potential worth developing.
Step 4: Weigh this against the limits and conclude.
Good sites are limited and drilling needs heavy investment, but with the low pollution and constant supply it offers, geothermal energy has strong potential as a renewable power source.