Geothermal Energy presents an untapped resource capable of meeting the future demand of electricity and heating. As an energy resource which is renewable and sustainable, the amount of damage inflicted on the ecosystem is comparatively low. It is devoid of carbon and is an everlasting source of warmth. This energy is the most economical way of alleviating reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating global warming.

What is Geothermal Energy?

 The word Geothermal is derived from the Greek word Geos meaning Earth and Term meaning Heat. The origin of the heat is situated beneath the Earth’s crust and is found a great depth below the Earth’s blazing molten rock ‘Magma’ which is contained within the vapors and stone of the Earth’s center. In the process of power production using this source of energy, it is essential to drill wells which are 1.6 miles or more deep into an underground reservoir in order to access the hot water and steam, which, in turn, is used to propel turbines which are attached to electricity generators.

As per GMI Research, the Geothermal Drilling Market size is projected to reach USD 14.1 billion in 2032

It is certain that the sun will shine every day as there is an endless supply of energy. Similarly, the hot steam and water that are found under the Earth’s crust due to the decay of radioactive minerals is also a resource that is guaranteed to last forever. In addition, one survey today states that about ten percent of the energy of today’s world can also be utilized once the method of storage is fully developed. Thus, this energy can be classified as a renewable source as well.

Applications of Geothermal Energy

Direct Use of Geothermal Energy

In this case, hot water is easy to access and can be used right away. However, it can be utilized easily only in those places where there are hot underground reservoirs or hot springs the most easily. First, water is brought to the surface through production facilities, circulation pumps or wells and a downhole. A downhole consists of shafts and other submersible pumps and both have been used for a long time. Of the submersible pumps, shafts are said to be more efficient.

In addition, there is a mechanical facility that has the mandatory and intended heat that is then directed to the cooling system which comes after the heat exchanger. In this case, the transmission pipeline can be designed as a simple tube or a complex two-pipe system. A single pipe system is also termed as a once through system and in this case the vapor that is used is discarded after the process.

Geothermal Power Plants

Electricity is produced by means of heat or steam when Fossil fuels like coal, gas or even nuclear power is utilized. The Geothermal Power Plant is also the same. It hydrothermal resources using the standard power generating turbines, generators, and transformers and other elements of the power system to turn the heat into electricity.

Types of Geothermal Power Plant

Dry Steam Power Plant

Geothermal power plants can be divided into three categories: Dry Steam Plants, Flash Cycle Steam Plants, and Binary Cycle Plants. The first and simplest form is Dry Steam Plants, which extracts steam directly from the ground and uses it to power generators to turn the turbines.

Flash Steam Power Plant

In the same way, Flash Cycle Steam Plants doesn’t use steam directly from the earth to generate electricity. Rather, it pumps hot water down through the earth and into a closed system of pipes. This is done through the well into the lower pressure flash tank in the well. The lower pressure inside the flash tank allows the hot water to turn into steam, spinning the turbines in turn to generate electricity.