So how does geothermal energy work? The source of geothermal energy comes from the trapped heat below the Earth’s surface, so wells are drilled into the underground reservoirs of geothermal resources, including naturally occurring heated rocks and water. When naturally occurring resources are lacking or aren’t substantial enough, there are enhanced geothermal systems which create or improve geothermal resources through hydraulic stimulation. Then these geothermal resources produce steam, this rotates and drives turbines, which produces electricity.
There are three different types of geothermal energy, including dry steam, flash steam and binary cycle.
- Dry steam. This is where steam is piped directly into underground wells of a geothermal power plant which turns a turbine to produce electricity.
- Flash Steam. This is the most common use of geothermal energy. Reservoirs of water with temperatures of 182˚C and above flow through underground wells. As it flows, the pressure decreases and the hot water boils, producing steam. Once separated from the water, the steam is directed to turn the turbine. Leftover water and steam flows back to the reservoir, thus making it a sustainable resource.
- Binary steam. Binary geothermal power plants use water at temperatures of 107-182˚C to boil an organic compound liquid to produce steam. Water is then led back to into the ground to be reheated; the water and the organic compound are kept separate during the whole process so there are very little, or zero, air emissions.
The United States is the world’s largest producer of geothermal energy. They also have the largest geothermal resources in the world, with a geyser named Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and The Geysers in northern California. Other nations also use geothermal energy, with 25% of Iceland’s energy coming from five geothermal power plants.
Currently, the UK only produces around 30% of its electricity from renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy. The percentage of people who are in favour of using renewable energy grew to 85% in 2018, so why not join that percentage and transform your business using ? Not only will we help your business become more environmentally friendly, but we’ll also help you save money on your and prices.