Geothermal handbook: PlanninG and Financing power Generation t e c h n I c a L r e p o r t 2 / 2

1 | PrO |
Geothermal energy is a renewable source since the Earth endlessly generates heat at its
core through radioactive decay. Even though geothermal power generation usually depends on
a reservoir of hot water or steam (i.e., geothermal fluid), the volume extracted can be reinjected,
making its exploitation sustainable when appropriately managed. 
 
CON |
 
In some individual reservoirs, pressure has dropped (or resources have become depleted)
due to an unsustainably high withdrawal rate and/or failure to reinject the used geothermal fluid.
Addressing problems associated with inadequate reinjection practices can be complex and costly.
2 | PrO | 
Utilization of geothermal power instead of fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, coal, etc., can
reduce emissions of CO
2
and local air pollutants to low, often negligible levels per unit of energy
produced.