The Benefits to Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy comes with plenty of benefits to the environment and the economy. First of all, the emissions that come with geothermal energy are low, especially compared to the energy used in other resources such as coal and oil.

Second of all, we can help diversifying our country's electricity generation portfolio thus making for a more a dependable and greener future. The use of geothermal energy reduces pollution, reduces global warming and reduces the risk of oil spills and other problems associated with using fossil fuels.

Finally, geo thermal energy is a lot cheaper compared to other sources of energy, especially considering the price of oil. Those who use geothermal energy in their homes can expect to save on electricity and the costs for heating water each month.

Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are the battery for a greener tomorrow. Like batteries, fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction. Essentially, fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water with a series of chemical reactions thrown in for good measure, of course. By now, you have surely heard of the movement to "go green," including the need to develop alternative methods for fueling our vehicles. Fuel cells are one of these substitutes for gasoline.
A fuel cell may sound as though it is simply a type of gas tank, but is actually similar in function to a large battery. These cells combine hydrogen, the most common element in the universe, with available oxygen.

Hydrogen carries energy. The electrons, which are tiny particles bound to the hydrogen atom, carry the energy. It is when these bonds are broken that the energy is released. Fuel cells work by burning hydrogen gas in a flameless chemical reaction which produces electricity and water.

There are five main components needed during the operation of fuel cells such as hydrogen, oxygen, two conductors and an ionic conductor. The two conductors, referred to as anode and cathode, are separated by an ionic conductor or electrolyte. Hydrogen is pumped into the anode and oxygen in pumped into the cathode. Hydrogen reacts with the charged particles, called ions, in the electrolyte which will react to water and electrons. These electrons leave the fuel cell through as an electric current (much like a typical battery) and return to the fuel cell cathode. It merges with the oxygen and the water to form more ions which will replace those being consumed at the anode.