Consider the following statements regarding geothermal energy:
1. It is a natural heat source from within the Earth that can be used for space heating.
2. The heat is produced mainly by the radioactive decay of carbon and nitrogen.
3. Geothermal power production emits more greenhouse gases than traditional thermal power plants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

Question

Consider the following statements regarding geothermal energy:
1. It is a natural heat source from within the Earth that can be used for space heating.
2. The heat is produced mainly by the radioactive decay of carbon and nitrogen.
3. Geothermal power production emits more greenhouse gases than traditional thermal power plants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Geothermal energy is a natural resource that can be harnessed for various applications such as cooking, bathing, space heating, and power generation. The total geothermal energy available on Earth is vast, but its harnessing for electricity generation presents challenges.

Statement 2 is not correct: The Earth's geothermal heat mainly originates from the radioactive decay of potassium, thorium, and uranium within the Earth's crust and mantle, along with friction generated at continental plate margins.

Statement 3 is not correct: Geothermal power plants emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuel-based power plants. Unlike coal, petroleum, or natural gas combustion, geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that does not contribute significantly to climate change.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding geothermal energy: 1. It is a natural heat source from within the Earth that can be used for space heating. 2. The heat is produced mainly by the radioactive decay of carbon and nitrogen. 3. Geothermal power production emits more greenhouse gases than traditional thermal power plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3