Final answer:
Geothermal energy produces significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to coal power plants; it releases less than 1% of the CO₂ per unit of electricity generated. Geothermal plants are cleaner as they also emit fewer sulfur compounds that lead to acid rain. In contrast, coal-fired power plants are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geothermal energy stations, unlike coal-fired power plants, do not burn fuel to generate electricity, hence their carbon emissions are markedly lower. Typically, a geothermal plant produces less than 1% of the carbon dioxide emissions of a fossil fuel plant.
The process involves using steam and hot water to drive turbines and generate electricity, with the used steam and water re-injected back into the earth. Geothermal energy is considered to be a clean energy source, emitting 97% less sulfur compounds that contribute to acid rain than fossil fuel plants.
In comparison, coal power plants are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. For instance, burning coal generates carbon dioxide (CO₂) as part of the chemical reaction C + O₂ → CO₂, resulting in approximately 44 kg of CO₂ for every 12 kg of coal used.
To put this into perspective, a large coal power plant can emit 370,000 metric tons of CO₂ daily, making it the least efficient fossil fuel in terms of CO₂ emissions per unit of energy output.
By contrast, the global geothermal electricity production contributes only 0.4% to the global energy budget, with a relatively high capacity factor indicating consistent output.
This renewable energy source is both stable and non-intermittent, making it a viable and environmentally friendlier alternative to conventional fossil fuels.