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