Geothermal Energy

Share this article:

In 1904, Prince Piero Ginori Conti conducted the testing of the earliest geothermal generator. It resulted in the discovery of the first geothermal power plant, which was constructed in Italy in 1911. Prior to these events, the use of geothermal energy had been limited to bathing and heating, such as in hot springs.

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy found underground. The forms of geothermal energy include heat trapped in the earth or heat collected from underground rocks and water. It may be found in shallow ground as well as deep below the earth where magma, or rock melted at very high underground temperature, can be found.

How do geothermal power plants harness geothermal energy?

Geothermal power plants are equipped to collect heat from underground sources and convert geothermal energy into usable energy, such as for heating and electricity. Geothermal plants use a variety of methods. Through conventional geothermal technology, geothermal plants use deep wells to extract hot water underground and transform this into steam which then operates turbines that produce electricity. Steam may be directly used to generate electricity or stored in a high-pressure tank that powers the turbines. Another method of harnessing geothermal energy is using direct heat, in which hot water is collected and channeled into heating systems. Another means of producing geothermal power is the use of geothermal heat pumps, which are pipes hidden underground and connected to heat exchangers.

How is it distributed?

The methods described above are classified into three main categories: dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle. The common feature of these methods is the use of turbines that generate electric power. The power is then transmitted to an electric grid or to substations of an electric power provider, which in turn distributes this to the consumers.

Find more on Geothermal in Edmonton Here.