Geothermal Energy: An Overview

Geothermal Energy: An Overview

Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.

Wilkes University

Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.

Wilkes University

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Points to be coveredPoints 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

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

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20-65 km

5-6 km

(2900 km)

(6940 km)(6940 km)

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Temperature and depthTemperature and depth

Average gradient: 2.5 - 3.0oC / 100m

Variation: 1.0 - 25oC / 100m

So if assuming average, temps at depth will be:

Average gradient: 2.5 - 3.0oC / 100m

Variation: 1.0 - 25oC / 100m

So if assuming average, temps at depth will be:

0 m 15oC

2000 m 70oC

4000 m 120oC

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iga.igg.cnr.it

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Geothermal energy is used in two waysGeothermal energy is used in two ways

Electrical generationElectrical generation

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www.energywhiz.com

DirectDirect

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www.coloradodirectory.com/cottonwoodhotsprings/

Direct uses of geothermal energyDirect uses of geothermal energy

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www.hickerphoto.com

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www.strose.edu

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www.geothermal-biz.com

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www1.eere.energy.gov

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geothermal.marin.org

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

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Types of geothermal electrical generationTypes of geothermal electrical generation

Dry steam Flash steam Binary cycle

Dry steam Flash steam Binary cycle

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Geysers dry steam field in northern CaliforniaGeysers dry steam field in northern California

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Flash steam plant in JapanFlash steam plant in Japan

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Binary plant in NevadaBinary plant in Nevada

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Benefits of geothermal powerBenefits 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

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

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1932

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2000

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Geothermal electrical power outputGeothermal electrical power outputProducing Country mW in 1999

Total 8217

United States 2,850

Philippines 1,848

Italy 769

Mexico 743

Indonesia 590

Japan 530

New Zealand 345

Iceland 140

Costa Rica 120

El Salvador 105geothermal.marin.org

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What is potential for geothermal energy development?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)

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?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.

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.

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What is potential for geothermal energy development?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.

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.

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Employment in geothermal?Employment in geothermal?

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Location of geothermal potential in USLocation of geothermal potential in US

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www.nwcommunityenergy.org

Geothermal heat pumpsGeothermal heat pumps

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Benefits of geothermal heat pumpsBenefits 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

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

Deployment: 400,000 units in U.S.

Yield: 1500 thermal mW of heating and cooling

Any environmental problems?Any environmental problems?

Impact Probability of occurring

Severity of consequences

Air quality pollution L MSurface water pollution M MUnderground pollution L MLand subsidence L L-MHigh noise levels H L-MWell blow-outs L L-MConflicts with cultural and archaeological features

L-M M-H

Social-economic problems L LChemical or thermal pollution L M-HSolid waste disposal M M-H

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One clear environmental benefitOne clear environmental benefit

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So, is geothermal the answer to our energy concerns?

So, is geothermal the answer to our energy concerns?

You tell me!You tell me!