Global Environmental Concerns: The Role of Geothermal Energy in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract

Increase concern about global climate changes is leading to an examination of options for reducing the emissions of gases believed to be the principal contributors to the "Greenhouse Effect." Carbon dioxide is believed to be the largest contributor to such an effect, and the use of fossil fuels is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, Geothermal energy is likely to receive increased attention in the years ahead as a way to reduce emissions of CO2. Several countries in Asia and the Pacific already have active geothermal programs. The Philippines have the second larges installed geothermal capacity in the world. Japan and New Zealand have used geothermal energy for several decades. The present and future contributions of geothermal energy to the overall energy supply and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions in Asia and the Pacific are discussed in the paper.