Geothermal energy has been utilized for thousands of years as a reliable and sustainable energy source. It is obtained from the natural heat generated within the earth’s core, with temperature restrictions, and can be converted into electricity through an energy generation process. The key advantage of geothermal energy over other renewable energy sources is that it can provide a steady and reliable source of electricity, making it a useful alternative to fossil fuels.
This article explores what is geothermal energy, the process of generating geothermal energy, and its application in renewable power generation.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is the natural heat generated within the earth’s core. It is a form of renewable energy, as heat is constantly being produced. The hotter the temperature, the more significant the heat output. This heat can be extracted through underground hot-water springs, geysers, or drilling deep into the earth’s surface to access the steam of hot water.
Geothermal energy can be classified into three types of resources, which are low grade, high grade, and enhanced. Low-grade geothermal energy can be obtained from air and water that is naturally heated within the earth, whilst high-grade geothermal energy requires deep drilling to access high-temperature areas down to the earth’s mantle. Enhanced geothermal energy uses technology to access the earth’s heat and increase the rate at which it is delivered.
The Process of Generating Geothermal Energy
The process of generating geothermal energy involves three primary steps: exploration, drilling, and power plant construction.
Exploration
Exploration is the initial stage of geothermal energy production. The exploration process involves studying the geological and physical characteristics of the potential site to determine the viability of harnessing its geothermal energy. Exploratory wells are drilled to measure the temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of the underground water.
Drilling
Drilling is the second stage of geothermal energy production and involves drilling deep into the ground to access the underground hot water or steam.
Power Plant Construction
The final stage of geothermal energy generation is the construction of a power plant to convert the thermal energy into usable electricity. The heat is drawn up through the production well and moved into a heat exchanger which creates steam to drive a turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Applications of Geothermal Energy in Renewable Power Generation
Geothermal energy can be used for various applications, including electricity generation, district heating, and cooling systems, and direct-use applications in agriculture and industry.
Electricity Generation
Geothermal energy is an efficient source of electricity generation. As already mentioned, the process of producing geothermal energy involves drilling holes deep into the earth’s surface to access the hot water or steam created by the heat beneath the surface. It converts thermal energy in hot water or steam to create mechanical energy, which is then turned into electrical energy.
District Heating and Cooling Systems
Geothermal energy is also used for district heating and cooling systems in which the hot water beneath the earth’s surface is pumped to heat buildings in the winter and, by contrast, helps to cool the buildings in the summertime. District heating systems are environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient as they reduce the usage of fossil fuels and decrease the carbon footprint.
Direct-Use Applications
Another application of geothermal energy is direct-use applications in agriculture, industry, and swimming pool heating. Direct-use applications involve directly using the heated water from geothermal power plants to heat buildings or area in farming to benefit plants production or livestock.
Conclusion
In conclusion, geothermal energy is an excellent alternative to traditional power generation methods as it is renewable, reliable, and sustainable. The energy source can be harnessed to generate electricity, district heating and cooling, and direct-use applications. While the use of geothermal energy is still limited, industry leaders projected that by 2050, about 17% of the world’s electricity supply would come from geothermal energy. Therefore, investing in geothermal energy is necessary to ensure our energy is both environmentally friendly and more sustainable.