Geothermal Energy

Ben O’Regan

Geothermal Energy

20% of Earth’s geothermal energy originated from its formation

80% results from radioactive decayEnergy from the Earth’s core heats above

water and rock in the crust, that water is extracted and used to generate power through steam.

Where does it come from?

The Geysers, California – generates .3% of total energy

Iceland, El Salvador, Kenya, The Philippines and Costa Rica generate more than 25% of energy via geo thermal energy

Where is it located?

Due to abundance of Volcanoes, there are 5 geothermal power plants

Generates 26.2% of electricity53.2% of energy consumed in Iceland came

from Geothermal energyOnly 3% comes from CoalLooks to become the first nation to be 100%

fossil fuel free

Iceland

Here’s how it works

Fluids obtained from below the crust may contain:Carbon Dioxide CO2Hydrogen Sulfide H2SMethane CH4Ammonia NH4

Release 400kg of CO2 per Megawatt hour (coal is 1020.2kg per Megawatt Hour)

Fluid also may contain:BoronAntigonyMercuryArsenic

Environmental Impact

Dry Steam Power Plant: Directly use geothermal steam to turn turbines

Flash Steam Power Plant: Uses deep, high pressure hot water to generate steam to turn turbines

Terminology

Reduced CO2 EmissionsRequires no fuel, immune to high fuel costsCreates JobsConsidered a Renewable Resource

Advantages

Not a widespread use of energy- lacks employees, infrastructure and equipment

High installation costs- Drilling costs millions of dollars

Only suited to particular regions – geothermal vents are not widespread

May release poisonous gases that are stored deep within the earth

Disadvantages