Geothermal Energy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is geothermal energy?

  • Heat energy from the Earth's interior (correct)
  • Energy generated from wind turbines
  • Energy derived from solar panels
  • Energy produced by burning fossil fuels

What is the first step in the process of generating electricity from geothermal energy?

  • Turning steam into electricity via a turbine
  • Pumping cooled water back into the earth
  • Drilling wells to access steam or hot water (correct)
  • Cooling the steam

How does steam contribute to electricity production in geothermal power plants?

  • Steam cools down other fluids in the system.
  • Steam spins a turbine connected to a generator. (correct)
  • Steam is used to heat water.
  • Steam directly generates electrical current.

What is one significant advantage of using geothermal energy?

<p>It produces no waste or emissions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common disadvantage of geothermal energy?

<p>It is subject to geological limitations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the cooling tower during geothermal energy production?

<p>The steam condenses back into water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which location is geothermal energy most commonly harnessed?

<p>Areas with volcanic activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does pressure drop play in geothermal energy production?

<p>It converts water into steam. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way that geothermal energy generates electricity?

<p>By heating water into steam to turn turbines (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Philippines' total power generation comes from geothermal energy?

<p>14.4% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the source of geothermal energy?

<p>It originates from the melted magma beneath the Earth's crust. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the disadvantages of using geothermal energy?

<p>The initial installation costs can be high. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the heat used in geothermal energy production primarily come from?

<p>Rock formations that trap hot water beneath the surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country ranks second in the world for geothermal energy production?

<p>Philippines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the cost of electricity production from geothermal energy compare to other sources?

<p>It is cheaper than the production of electricity from coal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when heat from within the Earth warms water for geothermal energy?

<p>Evaporation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the heat within the Earth's core. It is generated from the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.

How does geothermal energy produce electricity?

Geothermal power plants utilize the steam generated by the Earth's heat to create electricity. This process involves drilling wells to access hot water or steam, which is used to spin turbines connected to generators.

Where are geothermal plants located?

Geothermal power plants are located in areas with high geothermal activity. This means they are found near volcanoes, hot springs, or areas where the Earth's crust is thin.

What are the advantages of geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is a renewable resource. Unlike fossil fuels, it is constantly replenished by the Earth's internal heat. This makes it a sustainable energy source.

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What are the disadvantages of geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy can be affected by environmental conditions. For example, changes in water flow or pressure can impact the plant's efficiency.

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How is geothermal energy created?

The Earth is extremely hot from within, and this heat is used to create geothermal energy. The heat from within the Earth warms up water trapped in rock formations beneath the surface.

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How do geothermal plants produce electricity?

Geothermal energy is used to create electricity by using the heat from the Earth to turn water into steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.

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Why is geothermal energy considered renewable?

Geothermal energy is a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source that is being used worldwide, especially in countries with volcanic activity.

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Where does the Philippines rank in geothermal energy production?

The Philippines is the second largest producer of geothermal energy in the world, with 14.4% of the country's total power generation coming from geothermal sources.

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What are the economic benefits of geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, as it is cheaper to produce electricity from geothermal sources compared to using natural gas, coal, or hydropower.

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What is the impact of geothermal energy on the environment?

Producing electricity from geothermal energy does not release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, making it a clean and sustainable energy source.

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Are there any drawbacks to using geothermal energy?

Although geothermal energy is generally considered a sustainable and clean energy source, there are some potential disadvantages including the release of greenhouse gases like hydrogen sulfide, potential seismic activity, and the high initial investment costs.

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Study Notes

Geothermal Energy

  • Geothermal energy is derived from the heat stored within the Earth, originating from melted magma
  • It can be harnessed to generate electricity using steam or hot water
  • Geothermal power plants are located in areas with high geothermal activity, near volcanoes, geysers, or hot springs
  • In the Philippines, geothermal plants are found in areas such as Tiwi, Albay, and Mak-Ban, Laguna

Geothermal Energy Generation

  • Wells are drilled deep into the Earth to extract steam or hot water
  • The steam or hot water is brought to the surface
  • The pressure drop at the surface converts the water to steam
  • The steam spins a turbine connected to a generator, which produces electricity
  • The cooled water is re-injected back into the Earth to maintain the cycle

Geothermal Energy Advantages

  • Renewable energy source. The water is replenished by rainfall. The heat is continuously produced by the Earth
  • Lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels. Minimal pollution associated

Geothermal Energy Disadvantages

  • High initial cost of setting up geothermal plants. High cost of production process and facilities.
  • Potential environmental hazards associated with the release of gases. Possible volcanic eruptions near plants and their impact

Geothermal Power Plants in Philippines

  • Examples of geothermal plants mentioned are Tiwi Geothermal Plant in Tiwi, Albay and Mak-Ban (Makiling-Banahaw), located in Calauan, Laguna
  • The Philippines ranks second in the world in geothermal energy production (14.4% of national power generation) – making it cheaper than national counterparts using other sources.

Key Terms

  • Geo - Earth
  • Therme - Heat
  • Generator - Device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
  • Turbine - Device that converts fluid energy (steam, water) into mechanical energy that drives a generator
  • Magma - Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.

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