Renewable And Non Renewable Resources Questions Medium
Geothermal energy refers to the heat that is generated and stored within the Earth. It is a renewable energy source that can be harnessed and utilized for various purposes. Geothermal energy is primarily utilized for heating and electricity generation.
In terms of heating, geothermal energy is used through geothermal heat pumps. These systems utilize the constant temperature of the Earth to heat and cool buildings. Pipes are installed underground, and a fluid circulates through them, absorbing heat from the Earth during winter and transferring it to the building. In summer, the process is reversed, and heat is extracted from the building and transferred back into the Earth.
For electricity generation, geothermal power plants are used. These plants tap into the Earth's heat by drilling deep wells into geothermal reservoirs. The hot water or steam present in these reservoirs is then used to drive turbines, which generate electricity. Geothermal power plants can operate in various ways, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle systems, depending on the characteristics of the geothermal resource.
Geothermal energy is a sustainable and reliable source of energy as it is continuously replenished by the Earth's internal heat. It has several advantages, including low greenhouse gas emissions, minimal land use requirements, and the ability to provide baseload power, meaning it can operate continuously without interruption. However, the utilization of geothermal energy is limited to areas with accessible geothermal resources, such as geologically active regions or areas with hot springs.