Geothermal Energy

Posted by admin on Jan 11, 2011 in | 0 comments

Geothermal energy refers to the power generated using heat from the Earth’s core. It is considered renewable energy because this energy is essentially capturing the nearly infinite heat which is generated by the ongoing heat-processes at the molten core of our planet. According to the Geothermal Energy Association, the heat continuously flowing from the earth core is estimated to be equivalent to 42,000 GW of power (20+ times today’s global electricity generation). If harnessed properly, geothermal could become a material contributor to global electricity generation. The world’s first geothermal power plant was constructed in 1911 in Larderello, Italy, and continues to generate power to the present day!

At an average of 7 US¢/kWh geothermal energy is also a very competitive energy resource. Last year, geothermal energy produced 9,057 Megawatts-electric (MWe) in the United States; a recent assessment by USGS suggests that undiscovered geothermal resources could produce 33,033 MWe.  Additionally, 517,800 MWe could be produced using a newly developed enhanced geothermal system that allows the exploitation of reservoirs residing in low permeability crust. To put these values in perspective, this is about half of the electricity power generating capacity currently produced in the United States. Additionally, this inexpensive and widespread resource is sustainable and emits a negligible amount of greenhouse gas.

Accordingly, in July 2008, federal lands were opened for geothermal leasing. This incentive for exploration has initiated a quest for better assessment tools in delineating possible blind geothermal occurrences in the Western United States. Based on previous studies and availability of geospatial data, several zones have been outlined to possess necessary conditions for the possibility of geothermal reservoirs: heat flow, geothermal gradient, neo-tectonic activity and various geophysical signatures.