Geothermal Energy Stephen Lawrence Leeds School of Business University of Colorado Boulder, CO  80309-0419
AGENDA – Geothermal Energy Geothermal Overview Extracting Geothermal Energy Environmental Implications Economic Considerations Geothermal Installations – Examples
Geothermal Overview
Geothermal in Context http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html U.S. Energy Consumption by Energy Source, 2000-2004 (Quadrillion Btu)  0.143 0.115 0.105 0.070 0.057 Wind Energy 0.063 0.064 0.064 0.065 0.066 Solar Energy 2.845 2.740 2.648 2.640 2.907 Biomass d 0.340 0.339 0.328 0.311 0.317 Geothermal Energy 2.725 2.825 2.689 2.242 2.811 Conventional Hydroelectric 6.117 6.082 5.835 5.328 6.158 Renewable Energy 8.232 7.959 8.143 8.033 7.862 Nuclear Electric Power 0.039 0.022 0.078 0.075 0.115 Electricity Net Imports 40.130 39.047 38.401 38.333 38.404 Petroleum c 23.000 23.069 23.628 22.861 23.916 Natural Gas b 0.138 0.051 0.061 0.029 0.065 Coal Coke Net Imports 22.918 22.713 21.980 21.952 22.580 Coal 86.186 84.889 84.070 83.176 84.965 Fossil Fuels 100.278 98.714 97.952 96.464 98.961 Total   a 2004 P 2003 2002 2001 2000 Energy Source
Advantages of Geothermal http://www.earthsci.org/mineral/energy/geother/geother.htm
Heat from the Earth’s Center Earth's core maintains temperatures in excess of 5000°C Heat radual radioactive decay of elements  Heat energy continuously flows from hot core  Conductive heat flow Convective flows of molten mantle beneath the crust.  Mean heat flux at earth's surface  16 kilowatts of heat energy per square kilometer  Dissipates to the atmosphere and space.  Tends to be strongest along tectonic plate boundaries  Volcanic activity transports hot material to near the surface Only a small fraction of molten rock actually reaches surface.  Most is left at depths of 5-20 km beneath the surface,  Hydrological convection forms high temperature geothermal systems at shallow depths of 500-3000m.  http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Earth Dynamics http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Earth Temperature Gradient http://www.geothermal.ch/eng/vision.html
Geothermal Site Schematic Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Geysers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geyser Clepsydra Geyser in Yellowstone
Hot Springs Hot springs in Steamboat Springs area. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
Fumaroles Clay Diablo Fumarole (CA)  White Island Fumarole New Zealand  http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/img_white_island_fumerole.html http://lvo.wr.usgs.gov/cdf_main.htm
Global Geothermal Sites http://www.deutsches-museum.de/ausstell/dauer/umwelt/img/geothe.jpg
Tectonic Plate Movements Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Geothermal Sites in US
Extracting Geothermal Energy
Methods of Heat Extraction http://www.geothermal.ch/eng/vision.html
Units of Measure Pressure 1 Pascal (Pa) = 1 Newton / square meter 100 kPa = ~ 1 atmosphere = ~14.5 psi 1 MPa = ~10 atmospheres = ~145 psi Temperature Celsius (ºC); Fahrenheit (ºF); Kelvin (K) 0 ºC = 32 ºF = 273 K  100 ºC = 212 ºF = 373 K
Dry Steam Power Plants “ Dry” steam extracted from natural reservoir 180-225 ºC ( 356-437 ºF) 4-8 MPa (580-1160 psi) 200+ km/hr (100+ mph) Steam is used to drive a turbo-generator Steam is condensed and pumped back into the ground Can achieve 1 kWh per 6.5 kg of steam A 55 MW plant requires 100 kg/s of steam Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Dry Steam Schematic Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Single Flash Steam Power Plants Steam with water extracted from ground Pressure of mixture drops at surface and more water “flashes” to steam Steam separated from water  Steam drives a turbine  Turbine drives an electric generator Generate between 5 and 100 MW Use 6 to 9 tonnes of steam per hour
Single Flash Steam Schematic Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Binary Cycle Power Plants Low temps – 100 o  and 150 o C Use heat to vaporize organic liquid E.g., iso-butane, iso-pentane Use vapor to drive turbine Causes vapor to condense Recycle continuously Typically 7 to 12 % efficient 0.1 – 40 MW units common http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
Binary Cycle Schematic Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Binary Plant Power Output http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Double Flash Power Plants Similar to single flash operation Unflashed liquid flows to low-pressure tank – flashes to steam Steam drives a second-stage turbine Also uses exhaust from first turbine Increases output 20-25% for 5% increase in plant costs
Double Flash Schematic Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Combined Cycle Plants Combination of conventional steam turbine technology and binary cycle technology Steam drives primary turbine Remaining heat used to create organic vapor Organic vapor drives a second turbine  Plant sizes ranging between 10 to 100+ MW Significantly greater efficiencies Higher overall utilization Extract more power (heat) from geothermal resource http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Hot Dry Rock Technology Wells drilled 3-6 km into crust Hot crystalline rock formations Water pumped into formations Water flows through natural fissures picking up heat Hot water/steam returns to surface Steam used to generate power http://www.ees4.lanl.gov/hdr/
Hot Dry Rock Technology Fenton Hill plant  http://www.ees4.lanl.gov/hdr/
Soultz Hot Fractured Rock Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
2-Well HDR System Parameters 2×10 6  m 2  = 2 km 2 2×10 8  m 3  = 0.2 km 3 Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Promise of HDR 1 km 3  of hot rock has the energy content of 70,000 tonnes of coal If cooled by 1 ºC Upper 10 km of crust in US has 600,000 times annual US energy (USGS) Between 19-138 GW power available at existing hydrothermal sites Using enhanced technology Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Direct Use Technologies Geothermal heat is used directly rather than for power generation  Extract heat from low temperature geothermal resources < 150  o C or 300  o F.  Applications sited near source (<10 km) http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Geothermal Heat Pump http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
Heat vs. Depth Profile Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Geothermal District Heating Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004 Southhampton geothermal district heating system technology schematic
Direct Heating Example Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Technological Issues Geothermal fluids can be corrosive Contain gases such as hydrogen sulphide Corrosion, scaling Requires careful selection of materials and diligent operating procedures Typical capacity factors of 85-95% http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Technology vs. Temperature http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm Direct Fluid Use  Heat Exchangers  Direct Use Water Low Temperature  50-150 o C (120-300 o F). Binary Cycle  Direct Fluid Use  Heat Exchangers  Heat Pumps  Power Generation  Direct Use Water Intermediate Temperature  100-220 o C (212 - 390 o F). Flash Steam  Combined (Flash and Binary) Cycle  Direct Fluid Use  Heat Exchangers  Heat Pumps  Power Generation    Direct Use Water or Steam High Temperature  >220 o C (>430 o F). Technology commonly chosen Common Use Reservoir Fluid Reservoir Temperature
Geothermal Performance Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Environmental Implications
Environmental Impacts Land Vegetation loss  Soil erosion  Landslides Air Slight air heating Local fogging Ground Reservoir cooling Seismicity (tremors)  Water  Watershed impact Damming streams Hydrothermal eruptions  Lower water table Subsidence Noise Benign overall http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm
Renewable? Heat depleted as ground cools Not  steady-state Earth’s core does not replenish heat to crust quickly enough Example: Iceland's geothermal energy could provide 1700 MW for over 100 years, compared to the current production of 140 MW http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal
Economics of Geothermal
Cost Factors Temperature and depth of resource Type of resource (steam, liquid, mix) Available volume of resource Chemistry of resource Permeability of rock formations Size and technology of plant Infrastructure (roads, transmission lines) http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/cost_factor.htm
Costs of Geothermal Energy Costs highly variable by site Dependent on many cost factors High exploration costs High initial capital, low operating costs Fuel is “free” Significant exploration & operating risk Adds to overall capital costs “Risk premium” http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/
Risk Assessment http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm
Geothermal Development http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm
Cost of Water & Steam http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm Table Geothermal Steam and Hot Water Supply Cost where drilling is required  10-20 Low Temperature (<100 o C) 20-40 3.0-4.5 Medium Temperature (100-150 o C) 3.5-6.0 High temperature (>150 o C) Cost  (US  ¢ /tonne  of hot water) Cost  (US $/ tonne of steam)
Cost of Geothermal Power http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm Normally not suitable 4.0-6.0 2.5-5.0 Large Plants (>30 MW) Normally not suitable 4.5-7 4.0-6.0 Medium Plants  (5-30 MW) 6.0-10.5 5.5-8.5 5.0-7.0 Small plants (<5 MW) Unit Cost  (US  ¢ /kWh)  Low Quality Resource Unit Cost  (US  ¢ /kWh) Medium Quality Resource Unit Cost (US  ¢ /kWh)  High Quality Resource
Direct Capital Costs Direct Capital Costs (US $/kW installed capacity)   http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm Normally not suitable Exploration : US$100-400   Steam field:US$400-700 Power Plant:US$850-1100 Total: US$1350-2200 Exploration:: US$100-200   Steam field:US$300-450 Power Plant:US$750-1100 Total: US$1150-1750 Large Plants   (>30 MW) Normally not suitable Exploration: : US$250-600   Steam field:US$400-700 Power Plant:US$950-1200 Total: US$1600-2500 Exploration : US$250-400   Steamfield:US$200-US$500 Power Plant: US$850-1200 Total: US$1300-2100 Med Plants  (5-30 MW) Exploration : US$400-1000   Steam field:US$500-900 Power Plant:US$1100-1800 Total:US$2000-3700 Exploration : US$400-1000   Steam field:US$300-600 Power Plant:US$1100-1400 Total: US$1800-3000 Exploration : US$400-800   Steam field:US$100-200 Power Plant:US$1100-1300 Total: US$1600-2300 Small plants  (<5 MW) Low Quality Resource Medium Quality Resource High Quality Resource Plant Size
Indirect Costs Availability of skilled labor Infrastructure and access Political stability Indirect Costs Good:  5-10% of direct costs Fair: 10-30% of direct costs Poor: 30-60% of direct costs http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm
Operating/Maintenance Costs Operating and Maintenance Costs   http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm 0.4-0.7 0.6-0.8 0.8-1.4 Total 0.25-0.45 0.35-0.45 0.45-0.7 Power Plant 0.15-0.25 0.25-0.35 0.35-0.7 Steam field O&M Cost (US c/KWh)   Large Plants(>30 MW) O&M Cost (US c/KWh)   Medium Plants (5-30 MW) O&M Cost (US c/KWh)   Small plants (<5 MW)
Geothermal Installations Examples
Geothermal Power Examples Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Geothermal Power Generation World production of 8 GW 2.7 GW in US The Geyers (US) is world’s largest site Produces 2 GW Other attractive sites Rift region of Kenya, Iceland, Italy, France, New Zealand, Mexico, Nicaragua, Russia, Phillippines, Indonesia, Japan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal
Geothermal Energy Plant Geothermal energy plant in Iceland http://www.wateryear2003.org/en/
Geothermal Well Testing http://www.geothermex.com/es_resen.html Geothermal well testing, Zunil,  Guatemala     
Heber Geothermal Power Station http://www.ece.umr.edu/links/power/geotherm1.htm 52kW electrical generating capacity
Geysers Geothermal Plant The Geysers is the largest producer of geothermal power in the world. http://www.ece.umr.edu/links/power/geotherm1.htm
Geyers Cost Effectiveness Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Geothermal Summary
Geothermal Prospects Environmentally very attractive  Attractive energy source in right locations Likely to remain an adjunct to other larger energy sources Part of  a portfolio of energy technologies Exploration risks and up-front capital costs remain a barrier
Next Week:  BIOENERGY
Supplementary Slides Extras
Geothermal Gradient http://www.earthsci.org/mineral/energy/geother/geother.htm
Geo/Hydrothermal Systems http://www.freeenergynews.com/Directory/Geothermal/
Location of Resources http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
Ground Structures Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Volcanic Geothermal System Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Temperature Gradients Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
http://www.earthsci.org/mineral/energy/geother/geother.htm
UK Geothermal Resources Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Porosity vs. Hydraulic Conductivity Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Performance vs. Rock Type Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Deep Well Characteristics Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Single Flash Plant Schematic http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
Binary Cycle Power Plant http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
Flash Steam Power Plant http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
Efficiency of Heat Pumps Boyle,  Renewable Energy,  2 nd  edition, 2004
Recent Developments Comparing statistical data for end-1996 (SER 1998) and the present Survey, it can be seen that there has been an increase in world geothermal power plant capacity (+9%) and utilisation (+23%) while direct heat systems show a 56% additional capacity, coupled with a somewhat lower rate of increase in their use (+32%).  Geothermal power generation growth is continuing, but at a lower pace than in the previous decade, while direct heat uses show a strong increase compared to the past.  Going into some detail, the six countries with the largest electric power capacity are: USA with 2 228 MWe is first, followed by Philippines (1 863 MWe); four countries (Mexico, Italy, Indonesia, Japan) had capacity (at end-1999) in the range of 550-750 MWe each. These six countries represent 86% of the world capacity and about the same percentage of the world output, amounting to around 45 000 GWhe.  The strong decline in the USA in recent years, due to overexploitation of the giant Geysers steam field, has been partly compensated by important additions to capacity in several countries: Indonesia, Philippines, Italy, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador. Newcomers in the electric power sector are Ethiopia (1998), Guatemala (1998) and Austria (2001). In total, 22 nations are generating geothermal electricity, in amounts sufficient to supply 15 million houses.  Concerning direct heat uses, Table 12.1 shows that the three countries with the largest amount of installed power: USA (5 366 MWt), China (2 814 MWt) and Iceland (1 469 MWt) cover 58% of the world capacity, which has reached 16 649 MWt, enough to provide heat for over 3 million houses. Out of about 60 countries with direct heat plants, beside the three above-mentioned nations, Turkey, several European countries, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have sizeable capacity.  With regard to direct use applications, a large increase in the number of GHP installations for space heating (presently estimated to exceed 500 000) has put this category in first place in terms of global capacity and third in terms of output. Other geothermal space heating systems are second in capacity but first in output. Third in capacity (but second in output) are spa uses followed by greenhouse heating. Other applications include fish farm heating and industrial process heat. The outstanding rise in world direct use capacity since 1996 is due to the more than two-fold increase in North America and a 45% addition in Asia. Europe also has substantial direct uses but has remained fairly stable: reductions in some countries being compensated by progress in others.  Concerning R&D, the HDR project at Soultz-sous-Forêts near the French-German border has progressed significantly. Besides the ongoing Hijiori site in Japan, another HDR test has just started in Switzerland (Otterbach near Basel).  The total world use of geothermal power is giving a contribution both to energy saving (around 26 million tons of oil per year) and to CO2 emission reduction (80 million tons/year if compared with equivalent oil-fuelled production).  http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp

Geothermal Energy

  • 1.
    Geothermal Energy StephenLawrence Leeds School of Business University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309-0419
  • 2.
    AGENDA – GeothermalEnergy Geothermal Overview Extracting Geothermal Energy Environmental Implications Economic Considerations Geothermal Installations – Examples
  • 3.
  • 4.
    Geothermal in Contexthttp://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html U.S. Energy Consumption by Energy Source, 2000-2004 (Quadrillion Btu) 0.143 0.115 0.105 0.070 0.057 Wind Energy 0.063 0.064 0.064 0.065 0.066 Solar Energy 2.845 2.740 2.648 2.640 2.907 Biomass d 0.340 0.339 0.328 0.311 0.317 Geothermal Energy 2.725 2.825 2.689 2.242 2.811 Conventional Hydroelectric 6.117 6.082 5.835 5.328 6.158 Renewable Energy 8.232 7.959 8.143 8.033 7.862 Nuclear Electric Power 0.039 0.022 0.078 0.075 0.115 Electricity Net Imports 40.130 39.047 38.401 38.333 38.404 Petroleum c 23.000 23.069 23.628 22.861 23.916 Natural Gas b 0.138 0.051 0.061 0.029 0.065 Coal Coke Net Imports 22.918 22.713 21.980 21.952 22.580 Coal 86.186 84.889 84.070 83.176 84.965 Fossil Fuels 100.278 98.714 97.952 96.464 98.961 Total a 2004 P 2003 2002 2001 2000 Energy Source
  • 5.
    Advantages of Geothermalhttp://www.earthsci.org/mineral/energy/geother/geother.htm
  • 6.
    Heat from theEarth’s Center Earth's core maintains temperatures in excess of 5000°C Heat radual radioactive decay of elements Heat energy continuously flows from hot core Conductive heat flow Convective flows of molten mantle beneath the crust. Mean heat flux at earth's surface 16 kilowatts of heat energy per square kilometer Dissipates to the atmosphere and space. Tends to be strongest along tectonic plate boundaries Volcanic activity transports hot material to near the surface Only a small fraction of molten rock actually reaches surface. Most is left at depths of 5-20 km beneath the surface, Hydrological convection forms high temperature geothermal systems at shallow depths of 500-3000m. http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
  • 7.
  • 8.
    Earth Temperature Gradienthttp://www.geothermal.ch/eng/vision.html
  • 9.
    Geothermal Site SchematicBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 10.
  • 11.
    Hot Springs Hotsprings in Steamboat Springs area. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
  • 12.
    Fumaroles Clay DiabloFumarole (CA) White Island Fumarole New Zealand http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/img_white_island_fumerole.html http://lvo.wr.usgs.gov/cdf_main.htm
  • 13.
    Global Geothermal Siteshttp://www.deutsches-museum.de/ausstell/dauer/umwelt/img/geothe.jpg
  • 14.
    Tectonic Plate MovementsBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 15.
  • 16.
  • 17.
    Methods of HeatExtraction http://www.geothermal.ch/eng/vision.html
  • 18.
    Units of MeasurePressure 1 Pascal (Pa) = 1 Newton / square meter 100 kPa = ~ 1 atmosphere = ~14.5 psi 1 MPa = ~10 atmospheres = ~145 psi Temperature Celsius (ºC); Fahrenheit (ºF); Kelvin (K) 0 ºC = 32 ºF = 273 K 100 ºC = 212 ºF = 373 K
  • 19.
    Dry Steam PowerPlants “ Dry” steam extracted from natural reservoir 180-225 ºC ( 356-437 ºF) 4-8 MPa (580-1160 psi) 200+ km/hr (100+ mph) Steam is used to drive a turbo-generator Steam is condensed and pumped back into the ground Can achieve 1 kWh per 6.5 kg of steam A 55 MW plant requires 100 kg/s of steam Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 20.
    Dry Steam SchematicBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 21.
    Single Flash SteamPower Plants Steam with water extracted from ground Pressure of mixture drops at surface and more water “flashes” to steam Steam separated from water Steam drives a turbine Turbine drives an electric generator Generate between 5 and 100 MW Use 6 to 9 tonnes of steam per hour
  • 22.
    Single Flash SteamSchematic Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 23.
    Binary Cycle PowerPlants Low temps – 100 o and 150 o C Use heat to vaporize organic liquid E.g., iso-butane, iso-pentane Use vapor to drive turbine Causes vapor to condense Recycle continuously Typically 7 to 12 % efficient 0.1 – 40 MW units common http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
  • 24.
    Binary Cycle SchematicBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 25.
    Binary Plant PowerOutput http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
  • 26.
    Double Flash PowerPlants Similar to single flash operation Unflashed liquid flows to low-pressure tank – flashes to steam Steam drives a second-stage turbine Also uses exhaust from first turbine Increases output 20-25% for 5% increase in plant costs
  • 27.
    Double Flash SchematicBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 28.
    Combined Cycle PlantsCombination of conventional steam turbine technology and binary cycle technology Steam drives primary turbine Remaining heat used to create organic vapor Organic vapor drives a second turbine Plant sizes ranging between 10 to 100+ MW Significantly greater efficiencies Higher overall utilization Extract more power (heat) from geothermal resource http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
  • 29.
    Hot Dry RockTechnology Wells drilled 3-6 km into crust Hot crystalline rock formations Water pumped into formations Water flows through natural fissures picking up heat Hot water/steam returns to surface Steam used to generate power http://www.ees4.lanl.gov/hdr/
  • 30.
    Hot Dry RockTechnology Fenton Hill plant http://www.ees4.lanl.gov/hdr/
  • 31.
    Soultz Hot FracturedRock Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 32.
    2-Well HDR SystemParameters 2×10 6 m 2 = 2 km 2 2×10 8 m 3 = 0.2 km 3 Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 33.
    Promise of HDR1 km 3 of hot rock has the energy content of 70,000 tonnes of coal If cooled by 1 ºC Upper 10 km of crust in US has 600,000 times annual US energy (USGS) Between 19-138 GW power available at existing hydrothermal sites Using enhanced technology Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 34.
    Direct Use TechnologiesGeothermal heat is used directly rather than for power generation Extract heat from low temperature geothermal resources < 150 o C or 300 o F. Applications sited near source (<10 km) http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
  • 35.
    Geothermal Heat Pumphttp://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
  • 36.
    Heat vs. DepthProfile Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 37.
    Geothermal District HeatingBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004 Southhampton geothermal district heating system technology schematic
  • 38.
    Direct Heating ExampleBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 39.
    Technological Issues Geothermalfluids can be corrosive Contain gases such as hydrogen sulphide Corrosion, scaling Requires careful selection of materials and diligent operating procedures Typical capacity factors of 85-95% http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
  • 40.
    Technology vs. Temperaturehttp://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm Direct Fluid Use Heat Exchangers Direct Use Water Low Temperature 50-150 o C (120-300 o F). Binary Cycle Direct Fluid Use Heat Exchangers Heat Pumps Power Generation Direct Use Water Intermediate Temperature 100-220 o C (212 - 390 o F). Flash Steam Combined (Flash and Binary) Cycle Direct Fluid Use Heat Exchangers Heat Pumps Power Generation   Direct Use Water or Steam High Temperature >220 o C (>430 o F). Technology commonly chosen Common Use Reservoir Fluid Reservoir Temperature
  • 41.
    Geothermal Performance Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 42.
  • 43.
    Environmental Impacts LandVegetation loss Soil erosion Landslides Air Slight air heating Local fogging Ground Reservoir cooling Seismicity (tremors) Water Watershed impact Damming streams Hydrothermal eruptions Lower water table Subsidence Noise Benign overall http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm
  • 44.
    Renewable? Heat depletedas ground cools Not steady-state Earth’s core does not replenish heat to crust quickly enough Example: Iceland's geothermal energy could provide 1700 MW for over 100 years, compared to the current production of 140 MW http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal
  • 45.
  • 46.
    Cost Factors Temperatureand depth of resource Type of resource (steam, liquid, mix) Available volume of resource Chemistry of resource Permeability of rock formations Size and technology of plant Infrastructure (roads, transmission lines) http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/cost_factor.htm
  • 47.
    Costs of GeothermalEnergy Costs highly variable by site Dependent on many cost factors High exploration costs High initial capital, low operating costs Fuel is “free” Significant exploration & operating risk Adds to overall capital costs “Risk premium” http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/
  • 48.
  • 49.
  • 50.
    Cost of Water& Steam http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm Table Geothermal Steam and Hot Water Supply Cost where drilling is required 10-20 Low Temperature (<100 o C) 20-40 3.0-4.5 Medium Temperature (100-150 o C) 3.5-6.0 High temperature (>150 o C) Cost (US ¢ /tonne of hot water) Cost (US $/ tonne of steam)
  • 51.
    Cost of GeothermalPower http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm Normally not suitable 4.0-6.0 2.5-5.0 Large Plants (>30 MW) Normally not suitable 4.5-7 4.0-6.0 Medium Plants (5-30 MW) 6.0-10.5 5.5-8.5 5.0-7.0 Small plants (<5 MW) Unit Cost (US ¢ /kWh) Low Quality Resource Unit Cost (US ¢ /kWh) Medium Quality Resource Unit Cost (US ¢ /kWh) High Quality Resource
  • 52.
    Direct Capital CostsDirect Capital Costs (US $/kW installed capacity) http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm Normally not suitable Exploration : US$100-400 Steam field:US$400-700 Power Plant:US$850-1100 Total: US$1350-2200 Exploration:: US$100-200 Steam field:US$300-450 Power Plant:US$750-1100 Total: US$1150-1750 Large Plants (>30 MW) Normally not suitable Exploration: : US$250-600 Steam field:US$400-700 Power Plant:US$950-1200 Total: US$1600-2500 Exploration : US$250-400 Steamfield:US$200-US$500 Power Plant: US$850-1200 Total: US$1300-2100 Med Plants (5-30 MW) Exploration : US$400-1000 Steam field:US$500-900 Power Plant:US$1100-1800 Total:US$2000-3700 Exploration : US$400-1000 Steam field:US$300-600 Power Plant:US$1100-1400 Total: US$1800-3000 Exploration : US$400-800 Steam field:US$100-200 Power Plant:US$1100-1300 Total: US$1600-2300 Small plants (<5 MW) Low Quality Resource Medium Quality Resource High Quality Resource Plant Size
  • 53.
    Indirect Costs Availabilityof skilled labor Infrastructure and access Political stability Indirect Costs Good: 5-10% of direct costs Fair: 10-30% of direct costs Poor: 30-60% of direct costs http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm
  • 54.
    Operating/Maintenance Costs Operatingand Maintenance Costs http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/assessment.htm 0.4-0.7 0.6-0.8 0.8-1.4 Total 0.25-0.45 0.35-0.45 0.45-0.7 Power Plant 0.15-0.25 0.25-0.35 0.35-0.7 Steam field O&M Cost (US c/KWh) Large Plants(>30 MW) O&M Cost (US c/KWh) Medium Plants (5-30 MW) O&M Cost (US c/KWh) Small plants (<5 MW)
  • 55.
  • 56.
    Geothermal Power ExamplesBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 57.
    Geothermal Power GenerationWorld production of 8 GW 2.7 GW in US The Geyers (US) is world’s largest site Produces 2 GW Other attractive sites Rift region of Kenya, Iceland, Italy, France, New Zealand, Mexico, Nicaragua, Russia, Phillippines, Indonesia, Japan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal
  • 58.
    Geothermal Energy PlantGeothermal energy plant in Iceland http://www.wateryear2003.org/en/
  • 59.
    Geothermal Well Testinghttp://www.geothermex.com/es_resen.html Geothermal well testing, Zunil, Guatemala     
  • 60.
    Heber Geothermal PowerStation http://www.ece.umr.edu/links/power/geotherm1.htm 52kW electrical generating capacity
  • 61.
    Geysers Geothermal PlantThe Geysers is the largest producer of geothermal power in the world. http://www.ece.umr.edu/links/power/geotherm1.htm
  • 62.
    Geyers Cost EffectivenessBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 63.
  • 64.
    Geothermal Prospects Environmentallyvery attractive Attractive energy source in right locations Likely to remain an adjunct to other larger energy sources Part of a portfolio of energy technologies Exploration risks and up-front capital costs remain a barrier
  • 65.
    Next Week: BIOENERGY
  • 66.
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    Location of Resourceshttp://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
  • 70.
    Ground Structures Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 71.
    Volcanic Geothermal SystemBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 72.
    Temperature Gradients Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 73.
  • 74.
    UK Geothermal ResourcesBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 75.
    Porosity vs. HydraulicConductivity Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 76.
    Performance vs. RockType Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 77.
    Deep Well CharacteristicsBoyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 78.
    Single Flash PlantSchematic http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/energy/geothermal/technology.htm
  • 79.
  • 80.
    Binary Cycle PowerPlant http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
  • 81.
    Flash Steam PowerPlant http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp
  • 82.
    Efficiency of HeatPumps Boyle, Renewable Energy, 2 nd edition, 2004
  • 83.
    Recent Developments Comparingstatistical data for end-1996 (SER 1998) and the present Survey, it can be seen that there has been an increase in world geothermal power plant capacity (+9%) and utilisation (+23%) while direct heat systems show a 56% additional capacity, coupled with a somewhat lower rate of increase in their use (+32%). Geothermal power generation growth is continuing, but at a lower pace than in the previous decade, while direct heat uses show a strong increase compared to the past. Going into some detail, the six countries with the largest electric power capacity are: USA with 2 228 MWe is first, followed by Philippines (1 863 MWe); four countries (Mexico, Italy, Indonesia, Japan) had capacity (at end-1999) in the range of 550-750 MWe each. These six countries represent 86% of the world capacity and about the same percentage of the world output, amounting to around 45 000 GWhe. The strong decline in the USA in recent years, due to overexploitation of the giant Geysers steam field, has been partly compensated by important additions to capacity in several countries: Indonesia, Philippines, Italy, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador. Newcomers in the electric power sector are Ethiopia (1998), Guatemala (1998) and Austria (2001). In total, 22 nations are generating geothermal electricity, in amounts sufficient to supply 15 million houses. Concerning direct heat uses, Table 12.1 shows that the three countries with the largest amount of installed power: USA (5 366 MWt), China (2 814 MWt) and Iceland (1 469 MWt) cover 58% of the world capacity, which has reached 16 649 MWt, enough to provide heat for over 3 million houses. Out of about 60 countries with direct heat plants, beside the three above-mentioned nations, Turkey, several European countries, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have sizeable capacity. With regard to direct use applications, a large increase in the number of GHP installations for space heating (presently estimated to exceed 500 000) has put this category in first place in terms of global capacity and third in terms of output. Other geothermal space heating systems are second in capacity but first in output. Third in capacity (but second in output) are spa uses followed by greenhouse heating. Other applications include fish farm heating and industrial process heat. The outstanding rise in world direct use capacity since 1996 is due to the more than two-fold increase in North America and a 45% addition in Asia. Europe also has substantial direct uses but has remained fairly stable: reductions in some countries being compensated by progress in others. Concerning R&D, the HDR project at Soultz-sous-Forêts near the French-German border has progressed significantly. Besides the ongoing Hijiori site in Japan, another HDR test has just started in Switzerland (Otterbach near Basel). The total world use of geothermal power is giving a contribution both to energy saving (around 26 million tons of oil per year) and to CO2 emission reduction (80 million tons/year if compared with equivalent oil-fuelled production). http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/geo/geo.asp