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The Hidden Cost of "Green" Energy: A Look at the Environmental Impact of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are often touted as a clean and sustainable energy solution. Harnessing the Earth's internal heat through artificial fractures in hot, dry rock formations, they offer a potentially limitless source of renewable power. But like any technology, EGS has its environmental footprint – one that demands careful consideration. This blog post delves into the life cycle assessment (LCA) of EGS technologies, examining their environmental impacts from cradle to grave, and highlighting areas where innovation can minimize harm. The Good: EGS boasts several inherent advantages: Baseload Power: Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy is consistent and reliable, providing a stable baseload...

Burning the Future? A Look at the Technology Life Cycle Assessment of Biomass Energy Biomass energy has long been touted as a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. After all, it's derived from organic matter like wood, crops, and waste, which theoretically replenishes itself over time. But is biomass energy truly as green as it seems? To answer that, we need to delve deeper into its life cycle, assessing the environmental impacts at every stage – from production to disposal. The Life Cycle: From Harvest to Ashes A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) considers all stages of a product's journey: Feedstock Production: This involves cultivating or harvesting biomass. While using existing agricultural land can minimize deforestation, the process requires fertilizers...