What Is Geothermal Power and How Does It Work?

 

What Is Geothermal Power and How Does It Work?

Geothermal power refers to the generation of electricity using heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. It works by capturing this heat—stored in rocks and fluids deep underground—and converting it into usable electric energy.

The process begins with drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, typically located in volcanic or tectonic regions. These reservoirs contain hot water or steam, often heated by molten rock or natural radioactive decay deep within the Earth.

Once extracted, the hot fluids are used in one of three main types of geothermal power plants:

1. Dry Steam Plants: Use steam directly from underground to turn turbines.

2. Flash Steam Plants: Bring hot water to the surface; as pressure decreases, the water flashes into steam to spin turbines.

3. Binary Cycle Plants: Use geothermal heat to warm a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point, which then vaporizes and powers the turbine.

In each system, the turbines are connected to generators that produce electricity. The cooled geothermal fluid is then recycled back into the Earth through injection wells, maintaining the pressure and sustainability of the reservoir.

Geothermal power is known for being renewable, low-emission, and stable. Unlike solar or wind energy, geothermal plants can operate continuously, providing base-load power.

Geothermal power is widely used in countries like the United States, Philippines, Indonesia, and Iceland. While development requires significant upfront investment and appropriate geology, geothermal power represents a clean, long-term energy solution for electricity generation.

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