Benefits of Geothermal Systems and Their Deployment
Submitted For
Professor Monica Sartain
Engineering Economy and Planning ENGR 3943
Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
On April 28, 2025
Written by:
Brett Hawley
Benefits of Geothermal Systems and Their Deployment
Introduction
While taking the course Engineering Economy and Planning, I have encountered many
sustainability concepts, projects, and designs. One that I thought would be particularly
interesting to study, mainly due to having one on campus at Lipscomb University, is a
geothermal energy system.
Background
Geothermal Energy is essentially a more efficient, sustainable, and renewable way to generate
electricity, and heat spaces industrially and commercially.
“Geothermal energy is the energy contained as heat in the Earth’s interior… Geothermal
resources are generally confined to areas of the Earth’s crust where heat flow higher than in
surrounding areas heats the water contained in permeable rocks (reservoirs) at depth.” [1]
This energy found within the earth is nothing new; however, because it was discovered in the
early 20th century when geothermal steam was used to generate electricity. Now, in current
times, this energy has proven to be a more sustainable alternative to other forms of HVAC and
electricity generation.
Description
Geothermal energy originates from the Earth's internal heat, primarily from radioactive decay
and residual heat from planetary formation.
“This heat is transferred toward the surface through
conduction and convection, with geothermal fluids acting
as carriers. These fluids, typically rainwater that has
infiltrated the Earth's crust, are heated upon contact with
hot rocks and accumulate in aquifers, occasionally at high
pressures and temperatures, forming geothermal
reservoirs.” [1]
[1]
According to Barbier, there are two types of geothermal systems which are categorized by their
temperatures and depths:
 High temperature systems
o Deeper in the earth, these systems produce high heat steam that can be used to
generate electricity
 Low temperature systems
o Shallower reservoirs that provide hot water for direct uses such as space heating,
industrial processes, and agricultural applications.
Benefits of Geothermal Systems and Their Deployment
Application of the Three Pillars of Sustainability
Geothermal energy systems align with the three pillars of sustainability by offering
environmentally friendly energy solutions, economic viability, and social benefits, particularly in
regions with significant geothermal resources.
Environmental Sustainability
Geothermal energy is very environmentally sustainable for its low environmental impact
compared to fossil fuels. It emits minimum greenhouse gas emissions and helps reduce a
carbon footprint.
However, the extraction of geothermal fluids can lead to the release of non-condensable gases
such as CO₂, H₂S, and NH₃, which may contribute to air pollution. Additionally, the reinjection of
geothermal fluids into the Earth can cause land subsidence and induce seismic activity in certain
geologically unstable zones.
Economic Sustainability
Geothermal energy offers a cost-effective and reliable energy source. As professor Sartain
discussed in class, it is much more cost efficient to take in air that is already around 50 degrees
Fahrenheit and heat it up 15-20 degrees in a building versus the 22 degree cold air that is
outside during the colder months of the year. This principle also works vice versa with the
warmer months.
The efficiency of geothermal power plants typically ranges between 10–17%, and the cost of
geothermal electricity is generally competitive with conventional sources, ranging from 2 to 10
US cents per kWh.[1]
Social Sustainability
Since geothermal is a sustainable renewable energy source, the public will be very interested in
its development, implementation, and improvement over the next few years. This kind of
system is extremely sustainable socially because of the already existing support for a energy
system that is good for the environment and the economy.
Barbier also highlights the role of geothermal energy in providing consistent and reliable energy,
which is crucial for social development. In developing countries, geothermal energy plays a
significant role in electricity generation, with countries like the Philippines, El Salvador,
Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Kenya deriving substantial portions of their electricity from
geothermal sources.
Geothermal Systems in Relation to Engineering
Geothermal Systems could have only been made and used by engineers. The whole process of
using geothermal systems inside the earth in order to produce energy for humans was
constructed by engineers. So, this topic is in heavy relation to engineering and all its facets.
Benefits of Geothermal Systems and Their Deployment
I will now discuss a breakdown of each main engineering profession and how it relates to
geothermal systems and their deployment.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers focus on designing the drilling equipment and systems required to access
deep geothermal resources, which can sometimes be several kilometers below the Earth’s
surface.
The drilling techniques used in geothermal energy extraction are similar to those in oil and gas
industries but are optimized for high-temperature and high-pressure conditions specific to
geothermal reservoirs.[2]
Most of all the mechanical engineer’s job will be based around thermal fluids and mechanical
designs of ways to access the heat inside the earth. CMTA, a company based in Nashville, works
with schools and other institutions to get geothermal systems in order to provide a better
sustainable alternative to other forms of energy.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers play a crucial role in identifying and assessing suitable geothermal reservoirs.
They analyze geological formations, drilling depths, temperature gradients to determine the
best locations for geothermal power plants.
They also design the infrastructure for these power plants, including drilling platforms,
wellheads, pipelines, and the construction of heat exchangers.
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
Both of these professions come into play when figuring out how to turn the geothermal energy
into useable energy for HVAC systems.
Mechanical engineers design turbines, heat exchangers, and steam generation systems that
handle the conversion of geothermal heat into mechanical and electrical energy. This is
extremely important because without the energy going through this process, it wouldn’t be
viable for any kind of energy reuse on the surface of the earth.
Although electrical engineering is more complicated to me, electrical engineers are responsible
for making sure that this transfer of energy goes smoothly with all the machines and getting the
power distributed to the necessary power grid. They also help ensure efficiency in transmission
and the distribution of the generated electricity.
Geothermal energy systems are deeply tied to various engineering disciplines. Mechanical, civil,
electrical engineering all contribute to the development, operation, and sustainability of these
systems, with engineers tackling challenges from site selection to efficient operation and
environmental protection.[3]
Benefits of Geothermal Systems and Their Deployment
Why it matters
This topic of geothermal energy is incredibly important because it is a project that is helping to
ensure the future of the nation that employs it. It is a renewable and sustainable energy source
that will help aid with the future of sustainable energy.
I also find it quite cool that Lipscomb has an energy system like this. Figuring out what this
system means and does has been quite impactful to my understanding of the environmental,
economical, and social benefits of geothermal energy.
As Christians we are called to take care of the creation that the good Lord has entrusted us. I am
so thankful that he has given us the ability and minds to be able to come up with different
energy solutions to preserve the goodness he has given us freely. Knowing that as an engineer I
am able to participate in taking care of his creation by using my passion for math, physics, and
their applications brings me an immense amount of joy.
Conclusion
Furthermore, through engineering and all its principles, geothermal energy systems improve
sustainability and all its facets. By providing a sustainable energy option such as this, we as
humans will be able take care of God’s creation in a whole new way, all through the gifts,
talents, and abilities he has given freely to us.
Benefits of Geothermal Systems and Their Deployment
Citations
[1] Enrico Barbier et al., “Geothermal Energy Technology and current status: An overview,”
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032102000023 (accessed Apr. 27,
2025).
[2] Ruth Shortall a et al., “Geothermal Energy for Sustainable Development: A review of
sustainability impacts and assessment frameworks,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032114010727 (accessed
Apr. 27, 2025).
[3] “Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/renewableand-sustainable-energy-reviews (accessed Apr. 27, 2025).
[4] Ingvar B Fridleifsson et al., “Geothermal energy for the benefit of the people,” Renewable
and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032101000028 (accessed Apr. 27,
2025).