GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

WHERE DOES GEOTHERMAL ENERGY COME FROM?

It comes from the earth itself. Basically geothermal energy is heat energy harvested from the Earth. The Earth’s geothermal energy is created by the decay of radioactie materials in the core and in the surrounding layers of rock.

WHAT COUNTRY USES GEOTHERMAL THE MOST?

The United States, followed by the Philippines and Indonesia.

WHAT PERCENT OF THE U.S. USES GEOTHERMAL?

At the end 2012, geothermal energy accounted for roughly a third of a percent of total installed operating capacity in the United States.

DISADVANTAGES OF GEOTHERMAL?

• Not a widespread source of energy
• High installation costs
• Not easy to transport
• Suited to particular regions only
• Might release harmful gases

IS IT VERY EXPENSIVE TO US?

To drill a well can cost millions, but after it is drilled, it is very inexpensive to run. With mature technology, they're able to harvest 80 kilograms of hot water from each production well per second, and the cost could drop to 4 to 9 cents per kilowatt-hour, in-range or below the cost of electricity from coal.

WHAT EQUIPMENT MUST BE USED IN ORDER FOR US TO USE THIS RESOURCE?

Flash steam power plants are the most common. The very hot water flows up through wells in the ground under its own pressure. As it flows upward, the pressure decreases and some of the hot water boils into steam. The steam is then separated from the water and used to power a turbine/generator. Any leftover water and condensed steam are injected back into the reservoir, making this a sustainable resource.

HOW IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY PRODUCED?

It is usually produced from hot springs coming deep from within the earth.

HOW IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY USED?

• Fish farming
• Swimming pool heating
• Drying and canning vegetables
• Space heating
• Greenhouse heating

ADVANTAGES OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

• Significant cost saving
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• No pollution
• Direct use
• Job creation and economic benefits

POLLUTION OF GEOTHERMAL?

Geothermal energy does not give off any pollution, but it can release some gases.