Geothermal energy production is the most environmentally benign form of energy production. Greenhouse gas emissions are marginal for flash production and non-existent for binary or closed loop systems. There is always a slight variance in emissions depending on the chemical make-up of the site, but the sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions which cause local air pollution are trivial compared to a coal plant and can be minimized further with reinjection of fluids. Emissions cost society money.

Geothermal power production uses a very low amount of land per MW of electricity produced. These minimal infrastructure requirements result in the lowest level of environmental disturbance experienced amongst all forms of electricity generation. It uses little freshwater resources and is free of the waste disposal and fuel transportation issues associated with other forms of energy use. Plants can be designed to blend into their natural environment.

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