Geo-Thermal Energy

GEO-THERMAL ENERGY

Temperature of the earth increases at a rate of 20 – 75°C per km, when we move down the earth surface. High temperature and high pressure steam fields exist below the earth's surface in many places. The energy harnessed from the high temperature present inside the earth is called geothermal energy.

1. Natural geysers

In some places, the hot water (or) steam comes out of the ground through cracks naturally in the form of natural geysers.

2. Artificial geysers

In some places, we can artificially drill a hole up to the hot region and by sending a pipe in it, we can make the hot water or steam to rush out through the pipe with very high pressure.

Thus, the hot water (or) steam coming out from the natural (or) artificial geysers is allowed to rotate the turbine of a generator to produce electricity.

Significance of geothermal energy

1. The power generation level is higher for geothermal than for solar and wind energies.

2. Geothermal power plants can be brought on line more quickly than most other energy sources.

3. GTE is effectively and efficiently used for direct uses such as hot water bath, resorts, aquaculture, greenhouses.