EARTHSCI: Geothermal Energy

Renewable Energy Source

those that are replenished naturally at anthropogenic time scale
cannot be depleted

Non-renewable Energy Source

sources that will run out or will not replenish within time scale

Geothermal Energy

Earth’s heat energy harnessed for human energy needs
The heat referred to is the extreme amount of heat at the Earth’s core.

Converting Geothermal Energy to Electricity

the use of geothermal energy came in hand with discovery of geothermal gradient

Geothermal gradient

refers to the increase in temperature with depth

How is Geothermal Energy harnessed

1. Boreholes are drilled

2. Hot water vapor is obtained from the reservoir

3. Steam is used to drive turbines

4. Energy from the running turbines is converted into electricity

Three Main Elements of Geothermal Energy

1. Heat Source

2. Reservoir

3. Geothermal Fluid

Heat Source

Magmatic intrusion

Reservoir

Layers of permeable rock capped by impermeable rock

Geothermal Fluid

Occurs in the form of water
can be liquid or steam

First Geothermal Plant in the Philippines

1987 in Tiwi, Albay

Geothermal Energy in the Philippines

1. Tiwi, Albay

2. Mt. Makiling, Laguna

3. Mt. Banahaw, Quezon

4. Bacon and Manito, Sorsogon

Use of Geothermal Energy

A. Advantages
1. do not use fuels to generate power
2. clean source of energy
3. does not produce huge amounts of pollutants
4. renewable
5. available in many areas

B. Disadvantages
1. unavailability of equipment, staff, etc.
2. power plants costs high amounts of money
3. requires extensive research
4. hard to transport
5. extracted energy is limited to surrounding areas only