Geothermal Energy: An Overview

Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. Wilkes University

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Points to be covered
The deep earth as a thermal source Direct uses of geothermal energy Types of geothermal electrical generation Benefits of geothermal power generation Current levels of electrical generation capacity worldwide Issues regarding geothermal The WebQuest

20-65 km

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(6940 km)

5-6 km
2000 Geothermal Education Office

Temperature and depth

Average gradient:
2.5 - 3.0oC / 100m

Variation:
1.0 - 25oC / 100m

So if assuming average, temps at depth will be:

0m 2000 m 4000 m 15oC 70oC 120oC

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

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iga.igg.cnr.it

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iga.igg.cnr.it

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iga.igg.cnr.it

Geothermal energy is used in two ways

Direct Electrical generation

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www.coloradodirectory.com/cottonwoodhotsprings/

www.energywhiz.com

Direct uses of geothermal energy

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www.geothermal-biz.com

www.hickerphoto.com

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www1.eere.energy.gov

geothermal.marin.org

www.strose.edu

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http://iga.igg.cnr.it/geo/geoenergy.php

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http://iga.igg.cnr.it/geo/geoenergy.php

Types of geothermal electrical generation

Dry steam Flash steam Binary cycle

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Geysers dry steam field in northern California

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Flash steam plant in Japan

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Binary plant in Nevada

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Benefits of geothermal power

Provides safe and reliable power with little land consumption Renewable and sustainable Provides constant baseload power Conserves fossil fuels Benefits local economies Can be implemented remotely Can prevent pollution caused by fossil fuels
2000 Geothermal Education Office

1932

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2000

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Geothermal electrical power Producing Country mW in 1999 output Total 8217

United States Philippines Italy Mexico Indonesia Japan New Zealand Iceland Costa Rica El Salvador 2,850 1,848 769 743 590 530 345 140 120 105
geothermal.marin.org

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

What is potential for geothermal energy development?

Geothermal power could serve 100% of the electrical needs of 39 countries (over 620,000,000 people) in Africa, Central/ South America and the Pacific.
(Source:www.geotherm.org/PotentialReport.htm link)

What is potential for geothermal energy development?

Using current technology, geothermal energy from already-identified reservoirs can contribute 10% of U.S. energy supply. With more exploration, inventory can become larger. Entire world resource base of geothermal energy calculated to be larger than those of coal, oil, gas and uranium combined. Further research and experience will improve geothermal resource base.
geothermal.marin.org/

What is potential for geothermal energy development?

According to Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), geothermal resources could supply over 30,000 MW of power by 2025 Equivalent to 6 percent of today's total U.S. electricity needs, and equal to 100% of the electricity generated in California, Nevada and Idaho.
geothermal.marin.org/

Employment in geothermal?

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http://www.greenjobs.com/Public/images/geothermal-jobs.gif

Location of geothermal potential in US

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www.nwcommunityenergy.org

Geothermal heat pumps

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2000 Geothermal Education Office

Benefits of geothermal heat pumps

Can be used almost anywhere worldwide Are energy and cost efficient Conserve fossil fuel resources Provide clean heating and cooling; no emissions from burning fuels
Deployment: 400,000 units in U.S. Yield: 1500 thermal mW of heating and cooling

Any environmental problems?

Impact
Air quality pollution Surface water pollution Underground pollution Land subsidence High noise levels Well blow-outs Conflicts with cultural and archaeological features Social-economic problems Chemical or thermal pollution Solid waste disposal

Probability of occurring

Severity of consequences

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http://iga.igg.cnr.it/geo/geoenergy.php

One clear environmental benefit

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So, is geothermal the answer to our energy concerns?

You tell me!