Basics

of

GEOTHERMAL
ENERGY
WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY?

 Geothermal energy refers to the energy that is

generated and stored in the earth. This energy is
derived from the heat that is obtained in the
earth's core. Geothermal energy is a clean source
of energy and its wells releases very small
amount of greenhouse gases compared to the
amount of greenhouse gases that are released by
the burning of fossil fuels.
WHERE IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FOUND?

 Geothermal reservoirs are naturally occurring

areas of hydrothermal resources. They are deep
underground and are largely undetectable above
ground. Geothermal energy finds its way to the
earth's surface in three ways:
 Volcanoes and fumaroles (holes where volcanic gases
are released)
 Hot springs
 Geysers
VOLCANOES AND FUMAROLES
HOT SPRING
GEYSER
PARTS OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
 PRODUCTION WELL
 SEPARATOR
 TURBINE
 GENERATOR
 CONDENSER
 COOLING TOWER
 INJECTION WELL
HOW A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WORKS?
 At a geothermal power plant, wells are drilled 1 or 2
miles deep into the Earth to pump steam or hot water to
the surface. You're most likely to find one of these power
plants in an area that has a lot of hot springs, geysers, or
volcanic activity, because these are places where the
Earth is particularly hot just below the surface.
1.) Hot water is pumped from deep underground through a well
under high pressure.
2.) When the water reaches the surface, the pressure is
dropped, which causes the water to turn into steam.
3.) The steam spins a turbine, which is connected to a generator
that produces electricity.
4.)The steam cools off in a cooling tower and condenses back to
water.
5.) The cooled water is pumped back into the Earth to begin
the process again.
 
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GEOTHERMAL
ENERGY
Advantages:

1)  It is a renewable source of energy.

2)  By far, it is non-polluting and environment friendly. 

3)  There is no wastage or generation of by-products.

4)  Geothermal energy can be used directly. In ancient times, people used this source of
energy for heating homes, cooking, etc.

5)  Maintenance cost of geothermal power plants is very less.

6)  Geothermal power plants don't occupy too much space and thus help in protecting
natural environment. 

7)  Unlike solar energy, it is not dependent on the weather conditions. 

Disadvantages:

1)  Only few sites have the potential of Geothermal Energy.

2)  Most of the sites, where geothermal energy is produced, are far from markets or cities, where it needs to be
consumed.

3)  Total generation potential of this source is too small.

4)  There is always a danger of eruption of volcano.

5)  Installation cost of steam power plant is very high.

6)  There is no guarantee that the amount of energy which is produced will justify the capital expenditure and
operations costs.

7)  It may release some harmful, poisonous gases that can escape through the holes drilled during
construction.