Now not many of us even think about geothermal energy when it comes to a source of energy that is natural and clean. I bet if you took a poll among the common man barely 1 among hundred would name it along with solar and wind energy. But then one can hardly make a case for it as it is available very rarely in its natural form and even then we have not yet perfected the art of harnessing it. Barring some of the Northern European nations, it is very hard to find any interest in harnessing geothermal energy anywhere else in the world. But just like it changed the global solar energy market, Germany is all set to change our perception towards the thunder from truly down under!
New legislation in Germany is making geothermal electricity a viable option for the first time. A new tariff structure has made deep drilling for higher temperature steam financially feasible, causing a boom in plant construction and a shortage of drilling equipment. Germany could be generating several thousands of megawatts (MW) of electricity from geothermal sources in a couple of decades. More plants are due to go into operation in 2009-2010. This only can mean great news for those who have wanted an expansion in the green energy market.
About 150 geothermal power plant projects are in the pipeline representing an investment of 4 billion Euros, according to the German government. It seems that the warmth of the energy that is emanating from the earth’s interior is finally touching and melting the thick skin of those who failed to see its true potential.
