Geothermal Energy: Definition, Types, and Advantages

Geothermal Energy

Definition and Principle

• Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy generated from the heat of the Earth's interior.
• It uses heat from hot underground water or steam to produce electricity.

How it Works

• Hot water or steam from underground reservoirs is pumped to the surface.
• The heat is used to power a turbine, generating electricity.
• The cooled water is then re-injected into the ground to maintain the reservoir's temperature.

Types of Geothermal Systems

• Conventional: Uses hot water or steam from underground reservoirs to generate electricity.
• Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Artificially creates fractures in hot rock formations to access hot water or steam.
• Binary Cycle: Uses the heat from hot water to produce steam, which then drives a turbine.

Advantages

• Renewable and sustainable: Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable source of energy.
• Reliability: Geothermal power plants can operate at a high capacity factor.
• Low emissions: Geothermal energy produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges and Limitations

• Location-specific: Geothermal energy is only viable in areas with significant geothermal resources.
• Exploration and development costs: High upfront costs for exploration and development.
• Technical challenges: Drilling and maintaining wells in hot, high-pressure environments.