fluid into the building 2 3 Fluid in loop absorbs heat from the ground
Cold fluid pumped out of house
How shallow geothermal energy works
Environmental benefits
Geothermal systems are one of the world’s most environmentally friendly ways to heat or cool a home. It is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce atmospheric emissions.
Economic benefits
With widespread installation of geothermal systems, government spending on imported energy sources would decrease.
Jobs would be created in areas such as research, construction, operation and maintenance.
1. Draw and label a diagram explaining how geothermal energy is generated.
2. Briefly explain the environmental and economic benefits of geothermal energy for Ireland.
3. Can you think of any disadvantages of geothermal energy? Look again at the diagram to see the system involved in bringing geothermal energy into a home. Also consider the maintenance involved in geothermal systems.
