Greenhouse gas implications of geothermal power ve
Abstract
Conventional geothermal power stations have greenhouse gas emissions that are much less than for similar-sized fossil-fuelled power plants. Modelling calculations are presented for two hypothetical geothermal plants (based on real-world examples) which show that gas discharge rates (tonnes of CO² / MWe.s) are between 0.5 and 50% of emission rates from fossil-fuelled power plants. Direct use-applications can save even more.
Despite having a generally similar per-capita economy, culture and power prices, Australia is well ahead of New Zealand in terms of pro-active initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New Zealand has an abundance of geothermal resources. Utilising these with conventional technology for power generation could easily reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by over 7 million tonnes per annum, saving over $200 million in proposed carbon taxes. Following the Australian initiatives would assist this to happen.