What is geothermal power

5.8 What is geothermal power

Geothermal energy is heat energy produced within the Earth.

This form of energy is formed in two ways:
(a) When the earth was originally created (very small fraction of about 20 %)
(b) When radioactive elements disintegrate within the earth crust (about 80 %)

Even though the geothermal may occur deep within the earth crust, heat conduction can take place up to the earth’s surface or should there be liquids like water on the way, these may easily signify the earth’s internal heat existence in terms of geysers (hot springs) or vapours.   If the temperatures are high, as much 4000  ⁰C, internal elements may melt and float on their parent solid elements.  Water on the other hand, is superheated to high as 370 ⁰C.  .  The heat energy so produced is used heat water at the heat exchanger.  This has kinetic energy that is in turn directed to spin turbine.  The turbine converts kinetic energy to electrical energy.  A part from electrical energy supply, heat from geothermal can also be regulated for heating in homes.

Geothermal power is renewable and environmentally friendly.  The number of users has incredibly increased due to advancement in technology, however it suffers from limitation of its location and dear cost of construction of power plants.

It is believed theoretically, geothermal power if highly exploited, will eventually lower the impact the global warming.

The reliability of geothermal power has enabled this form of energy to be injected into the national grid to boost national power distribution.