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Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a renewable and eco-friendly heat source derived from the Earth's core and radioactive decay. It is harnessed through various methods, including hot dry rocks and geothermal reservoirs, to generate electricity and provide direct heating. While it offers advantages like low emissions and reliability, it also has drawbacks such as high initial costs and location limitations.

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29 views3 pages

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a renewable and eco-friendly heat source derived from the Earth's core and radioactive decay. It is harnessed through various methods, including hot dry rocks and geothermal reservoirs, to generate electricity and provide direct heating. While it offers advantages like low emissions and reliability, it also has drawbacks such as high initial costs and location limitations.

Uploaded by

sahasafi26
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Geothermal Energy – Study Notes

1. Introduction

• Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored inside the Earth.

• It comes from radioactive decay of minerals and heat from Earth’s core.

• It is a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly energy source.

2. Origin of Geothermal Energy

• Generated deep within the Earth due to:

o Radioactive decay of elements (e.g., uranium, thorium).

o Residual heat from Earth’s formation.

o Heat from molten magma beneath the crust.

3. Sources of Geothermal Energy

1. Hot dry rocks

2. Natural geysers and hot springs

3. Magma (molten rock)

4. Geothermal reservoirs (underground areas filled with hot water/steam)

4. Working Principle

• Wells are drilled into the Earth to access hot water or steam.

• This steam is used to rotate turbines, which drive generators to produce electricity.

• After use, the cooled water is re-injected into the ground to maintain pressure and
sustainability.

5. Types of Geothermal Power Plants


Type Description

Dry Steam
Use direct steam from the reservoir to run turbines.
Plants

Flash Steam Hot water (over 180°C) is depressurized or "flashed" into steam to run
Plants turbines.

Binary Cycle Hot water heats another fluid with a lower boiling point; this secondary
Plants fluid vaporizes and drives the turbine.

6. Suitable Locations

• Geothermal energy is best in areas with volcanic activity or tectonic plate


boundaries.

• Examples:

o Iceland

o USA (California, Nevada)

o Philippines

o India – Puga Valley (Ladakh), Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh)

7. Advantages of Geothermal Energy

• Renewable – Infinite source as Earth’s heat is constant.

• Eco-friendly – Very low emissions compared to fossil fuels.

• Reliable – Provides constant energy, unlike solar or wind.

• Low operating cost once setup is done.

• Small land footprint compared to solar or hydro plants.

8. Disadvantages

• High initial cost for drilling and setup.

• Limited to specific locations with geothermal activity.

• May release harmful gases (e.g., hydrogen sulfide) during extraction.


• Risk of earthquakes due to deep drilling.

• Technology not widely available in all countries.

9. Applications of Geothermal Energy

• Electricity generation

• Direct heating for homes and buildings

• Greenhouse and aquaculture heating

• Industrial processes

• Spa and bathing (hot springs)

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