Geothermal Power: Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL POWER?
The earth was formed a long time ago (about 4.5 billion years ago). In its infancy it wasn't a very nice place to live. Mostly it consisted of a giant ball of molten rock, some noxious gas and when the sun wasn't out the bitter cold of space (no atmosphere yet). But a long time later we have this nice crust with all the little plants and animals on it. But deep below the ground there still lives that old ball of fire. ...
Source: www.thesietch.org
What is geothermal power and how is it utilized?
Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy derived from heat deep in the earth's crust. This heat is brought near to the earth's surface by thermal conduction and by molten magma moving into the earth's crust from great depths. As groundwater is heated, geothermal energy is produced in the form of hot water and steam. The resulting heated groundwater can be used for the heating of homes and greenhouses, for vegetable drying, and for a number of other uses. These are known as direct uses of geothermal energy. ...
Source: www.envirocenter.org
Is geothermal energy a proven source of power?
A Yes, globally, there is over 8000 megawatts of installed geothermal capacity in 21 countries producing 49,000 giga-watt-hours of electricity per year, enough to supply 30 million people.
Source: www.nevadageothermal.com
What is the geothermal power capacity of the United States?
A Nearly 2,800 megawatt (MW) of geothermal power, producing 14 to 17 billion kilowatts-hours per year of electricity, worth about $1 billion in annual utility sales, are generated in the states of California, Nevada, Hawaii and Utah.
Source: www.nevadageothermal.com
Are there geothermal power installations in the United States?
A Yes, geothermal power already constitutes approximately 5% of California and Nevada's electrical power supply. The geysers in California have been producing clean renewable electrical power for 40 years.
Source: www.nevadageothermal.com
What are the environmental benefits of geothermal power generation?
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source. It can offset part of the fossil fuels required for power generation and hence reduce the emissions from fossil power plants. The carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions from geothermal power plants are much lower than those of coal-fired power plants. 2)
Source: re.emsd.gov.hk
How much potential for geothermal power is there in the UK?
Geothermal power, using high temperature grades of heat, is only relevant to certain geographical and geologically suitable areas. It requires the presence of ‘hot rocks’ that are fractured and relatively near to the surface, and that can be tapped into by drilling. The Weardale Granite, which underlies much of the North Pennines, is a good example of fractured hot rock. Advances in drilling technology have increased the interest in this area. ...
Source: www.berr.gov.uk
How many geothermal power plants are in the State of Nevada?
A Currently, there are 12 producing geothermal sites in Nevada with outputs ranging from 2.2 - 62 MW. Geothermal plant capacity for the State was 308.9 MW for 2007.
Source: www.nevadageothermal.com
CAN GEOTHERMAL POWER BE USED IN THE HOME?
If you live above an aquifer (a layer of water between rock below the earth) and sink a pimp into it you can create a geothermal system for your home. The of water deep enough is just about always the same tempurature. Lets say its 50 degrees. If you pump out 50 degree water you can use it to heat your home in the winter, by using a heat exchanger to remove heat from the water.
Source: www.thesietch.org
Can Virginia fully rely on wind, solar or geothermal energy for power?
As evidenced by research conducted and maps created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Virginia is very limited in renewable energy opportunities, and the few that exist cannot meet the around-the-clock base load energy demands of ODEC’s consumer-members.
Source: www.cypresscreekpowerstation.com
What does it cost to develop a geothermal power plant?
Costs of a geothermal plant are heavily weighted toward early expenses, rather than fuel to keep them running. Well drilling and pipeline construction occur first, followed by resource analysis of the drilling information. Next is design of the actual plant. Power plant construction is usually completed concurrent with final field development. The initial cost for the field and power plant is around $2500 per installed kW in the U.S., probably $3000 to $5000/kWe for a small (<1Mwe) power plant. ...
Source: www.rmc.mobi
Costs of a geothermal plant are heavily weighted toward early expenses, rather than fuel to keep them running . Well drilling and pipeline construction occur first, followed by resource analysis of the drilling information. Next is design of the actual plant. Power plant construction is usually completed concurrent with final field development. ...
Source: www.scs.sk.ca
What is the geothermal power capability in the United States and how does it compare to the overall electrical power generation capacity?
In 1999, geothermal energy provided 0.4 % of US electricity generation, 14.3 million Megawatts hours (MWhr), enough electricity to service 1,400,000 average households. US geothermal capacity was 2,850 MW located primarily in California and Nevada.
Source: www.avcg.net
CAN GEOTHERMAL POWER SYSTEMS BE USED FOR BIGGER PROJECTS?
Places like the Philippines get as much as 27% of there power from geothermal. Large scale geothermal plants have been built in many countries and on all continents except Antarctica. Iceland has been using geothermal plants for many years now, as have several sites in California. With proper sighting and usage control geothermal is an energy source that is nearly infinite.
Source: www.thesietch.org
Will Summer Village on East Lake stress environmental matters such as geothermal solar/wind power, water management, and sustainable development?
Our focus has not been alternative energy, since that requires a scale much larger that we are. We focus on energy and resource conservation through best managed construction techniques i.e. energy saving lights, HVAC fixtures and water saving appliances.
Source: www.cottageadvisors.com
The renewable energy sector has grown a lot during the last few years, why is geothermal power less known than others?
Geothermal is a renewable energy which customers are beginning to discover and demand. Today, many commercial buildings and houses have a geothermal system designed and managed by Energesis. Geothermal energy has been used in the United States, Japan, Germany, Holland and France for decades. In these countries, geothermal power focused on providing heating and hot water for buildings. ...
Source: filmoos.com
New Zealand has a power supply of 230volts, 50hz, single phase. "Can Geothermal Systems run on that power supply"?
Geothermal Systems are designed to run on either 230, 60hz, single phase or 230 ,50hz, single phase. The systems will run on either frequency, however when purchased for 230, 50hz the outputs are re-rated to reflect the slower speed. The re-rating means that we would down grade the output by 17 to 18%, but the efficiency is increased because we are running larger compressors at a slower speed, thereby un-loading the system.
Source: www.geoseries.com
Besides hydro, isn't it possible to expand electricity generation capacity without increasing CO 2 by installing additional nuclear power or using renewable fuels, such as wind, solar, or geothermal?
Nuclear power capacity is diminishing in North America as existing facilities reach the end of their useful life, and that capacity will likely be replaced with fossil fuel. New nuclear capacity is unlikely within the time frame under consideration because of high costs, environmental issues, and public opposition. Similarly, power generation from renewables is not expected to be cost-competitive in any significant capacity in the foreseeable future and has other physical and geographical limitations.
Source: www.steel.org
