Geothermal Energy

1. Geothermal Energy Ben O’Regan

2. Where does it come from? • 20% of Earth’s geothermal energy originated from its formation • 80% results from radioactive decay • Energy from the Earth’s core heats above water and rock in the crust, that water is extracted and used to generate power through steam.

3. Where is it located? • The Geysers, California – generates .3% of total energy • Iceland, El Salvador, Kenya, The Philippines and Costa Rica generate more than 25% of energy via geo thermal energy

4. Iceland • Due to abundance of Volcanoes, there are 5 geothermal power plants • Generates 26.2% of electricity • 53.2% of energy consumed in Iceland came from Geothermal energy • Only 3% comes from Coal • Looks to become the first nation to be 100% fossil fuel free

5. Here’s how it works

6. Environmental Impact • Fluids obtained from below the crust may contain: • Carbon Dioxide CO2 • Hydrogen Sulfide H2S • Methane CH4 • Ammonia NH4 • Release 400kg of CO2 per Megawatt hour (coal is 1020.2kg per Megawatt Hour) • Fluid also may contain: • Boron • Antigony • Mercury • Arsenic

7. Terminology • Dry Steam Power Plant: Directly use geothermal steam to turn turbines • Flash Steam Power Plant: Uses deep, high pressure hot water to generate steam to turn turbines

8. Advantages • Reduced CO2 Emissions • Requires no fuel, immune to high fuel costs • Creates Jobs • Considered a Renewable Resource

9. Disadvantages • Not a widespread use of energy- lacks employees, infrastructure and equipment • High installation costs- Drilling costs millions of dollars • Only suited to particular regions – geothermal vents are not widespread • May release poisonous gases that are stored deep within the earth