Following a great Earth Hour, I thought it might be a good idea to discuss one of the many forms of low-cost, sustainable energy.  Namely, Geothermal.

This energy has been around for a long time… well about 4 billion years ago (give or take a year).  It was first in use by the Chinese Dynasty in the third century BC, and has even had actively developed energy plants in the 1990’s in China, 1958 in New Zealand and even 1913 in Italy.

It is relatively cheap to obtain (price comparison to oil and gas), takes up very little space and has some of the most basic techniques (think Steam Engine) for converting heat to energy.  So, the question becomes, in a society where we are tearing each other apart for resources – why has this abundant energy source been so actively avoided?  And why are we not building these energy plants in poor countries to help encourage sustainability and growth?

Some argue, it is because of the way our society is designed to depend on oil and gas.  Some argue it is because big oil and gas companies have control over our governments (well – most likely it’s the banks).  And some believe it is actively being squelched by third-parties. But regardless for the reason, I think it is worth noting that sustainable energy choices have long existed.  And this Earth Day, I intend to do what I can to encourage our government to actively seek these resources.

I hope you had a good Earth Hour everyone!  And, as part of Earth Hour, you are supposed to stop for a bit and think and gather your individual thoughts on renewable energy consumption and its impact.

<Edit:  See you all on April 22nd for Earth Day, where we will discuss more options for renewable energy>