Comments on: Google digs into wallet for geothermal energy

Google.org to invest in enhanced geothermal system start-ups--AltaRock and Potter Drilling--and gives grant to study the potential of renewable geothermal energy.

[Michael too]

So, if everyone across the world starts tapping into geothermal energy will that have a measurable cooling effect on the earth over time? What does it mean if the core cools and we no longer have continents that 'float' on magma??

[theBike45]

Geothermal in "large quantities" is simply not available and not practical. There is also the issue of triggering earthquakes as the energy is extracted. We are a LONG, LONG way from getting much out of geothermal. Like so much alternative junk (like wind) it sounds a lot
better than it turns out to be. This country is practically illiterate about energy technologies. But that doesn't seem to prevent idiot media outlets from publishing some really ignorant copy. Google seems to design its earth saving schemes fro maximum press coverage and minimum cost or prospect of success.

[jjldp]

I think that you are the illiterate in this matter or are some investments in tradicional energy. Read what is happening all around the world with alternative energy sources. Unless you are the only "smart"

[Manhattan2]

Google needs to look at more Sensible Ventures!

[contentcreator--2008]

Tapping a lot of geothermal energy will make the earth's surface HOTTER (not cooler), making global warming worse. It amounts to moving heat from the interior (which gets a tiny bit cooler) to the surface. By contrast, solar power captures and uses existing incoming solar energy that would substantially get absorbed anyway .

[mpgreer]

wow, what's with the naysayers. downers. i'm glad google is optimistic and willing to try something. earthquakes would be bad, no more magma would be bad. but sitting around being grouchy isn't helping.

[fireofenergy]

Wow, I thought I was negative by thinking "but won't the water cool the rocks such that we would have to continuously drill elsewhere?" Or... Would the Earth's heat transfer heat back into those rocks faster than we can extract it? Anyways, "they" KNOW much more about these ?'s than any of the above nay sayers! I also KNOW that ALL forms of energy = the same amount of heat no matter how efficient. It's called thermodynamics, it all breaks down to heat.
#1, The only cooling effect is caused by no more co2 (in theoritical all renewable energy world). The interior of the planet would probably not even "feel" this extracted heat for millions of years since it is so many trillions of times larger than the mass we would heat.
#2, I don't see how earthquakes can be caused from a hole that does not empty`~' On the other hand, I've always wondered 'bout the big empties caused by oil depletion.
#3, What would be more sensible? something with already known pro's and con's? Why not try to learn something more challenging.
#4, Correct, but as mentioned above, only the thermo part of it is transfered (as is already the case with any of humanity's energy sources). With fossils, can someone tell me how much more so is the CO2 effect as a ratio to just thermo (and parking lots, ect)?
And finally, if we used billions of mirrors to do the solar power tower thing in mass, the reflection from those mirrors would probably help offset a small fraction of human caused heat. However, when due for recommisioning, just point mirrors skyward to reflect whatever amount is needed (since the sun itself would not be focused on generators anymore). That would be in effect a very large sunscreen in space... without having to launch a single load!
WE can do this GW reversal thing, cause if I can think it, someone else can do it even better!

[fireofenergy]

I might have to correct myself on #4 (since I am not a real scientist). With with surface "created" energy, I could safely assume that that heat would already be here anyways, as is the case of the sun baking the deserts. Imagine 10,000 sq mi of black solar panels...ehh!, so much worse than bright reflective mirrors.

[fireofenergy]

Back to #2, perhaps local cooling effects could? cause earthquakes? Sorry about the mis on thermal expansion/contraction.

[fireofenergy]

Back to # 2, sorry about the mis on thermal expansion/contraction which could? possibly lead to earthquakes?