L6_GEOHYDRO

LESSON OBJECTIVES

  • At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

    • Define geothermal and hydroelectric energy.

    • Identify some geothermal and hydroelectric power plants in the Philippines.

    • Describe the processes involved in geothermal and hydroelectric power plants.

    • Determine the advantages and disadvantages of using geothermal and hydroelectric energy.

WHAT IS ENERGY?

  • Energy is the capacity to do work.

  • It can be changed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed.

WHAT IS ENERGY RESOURCE?

  • An energy resource is a natural source or material that can be converted into usable energy to perform work, provide heat, or power processes.

RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

  • Renewable energy resources are those that can be renewed at a faster rate in nature. Examples include:

    • Solar Energy

    • Wind Energy

    • Hydro Energy

    • Biomass Energy

WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY?

  • Geothermal energy refers to the heat energy stored within the Earth, produced by natural processes. It is generated from:

    • The heat from the Earth's formation

    • The decay of radioactive elements

    • Friction within the Earth's crust.

HISTORY OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

  • The use of geothermal energy for heating is ancient, with hot springs being utilized for bathing and heating.

  • Features associated with geothermal energy include:

    • Volcanoes

    • Hot springs

    • Geysers

FINDING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

  • Most geothermal energy resources are subterranean and require investigation through:

    • Digging wells

    • Temperature analysis deep underground.

  • Active geothermal resources are typically located near tectonic plate edges.

ADVANTAGES OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

  • Minimal environmental impact.

  • Lower carbon dioxide emissions (1-3% of a fossil fuel plant).

TYPES OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESOURCES

  1. Dry Steam Power Plant: Directly uses steam from underground to generate electricity.

  2. Flash Steam Power Plant: Uses high-pressure hot water that suddenly flashes to steam when pressure drops.

  3. Binary Cycle Power Plant: Transfers heat from geothermal water to another liquid that turns to steam.

PROS AND CONS OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

  • Pros:

    • Renewable and environmentally friendly.

    • Minimal land area is required.

    • Lower operational noise.

  • Cons:

    • Location-specific; not all areas are suitable due to tectonic activity.

    • Potential water depletion in resource areas due to groundwater utilization.

WHAT IS HYDROPOWER?

  • Hydropower is derived from the kinetic energy of moving water, making it one of the most efficient sources of power generation (17% efficiency according to the International Energy Agency).

  • Hydroelectric power generation uses water reservoirs, typically built along rivers or waterfalls, to generate electricity by spinning turbines.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HYDROPOWER

  • Advantages:

    • Minimal carbon dioxide emissions.

    • Renewable resource replenished by rainfall.

    • Efficient conversion (90%) of kinetic water energy to electricity.

  • Disadvantages:

    • High construction costs associated with dams.

    • Requires significant land areas.

    • Local community relocations may be necessary during construction.

    • Disruption of aquatic ecosystems due to damming.

DIRECT DISTRICT HEATING SYSTEM

  • Uses hot water from geothermal springs or shallow reservoirs to supply heat directly to buildings and industries.

LIST OF GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

  1. Mahanagdong Geothermal Power Station

  2. Makiling-Banahaw (Mak-Ban) Geothermal Power Plant

  3. Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant

  4. Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant

  5. Bacon-Manito (BacMan) Geothermal Power Plant

  6. Mindanao Geothermal Power Plant

LIST OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

  1. Angat Main Hydroelectric Power Plant

  2. Kalayaan Pumped Storage Power Plant

  3. Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant

  4. Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plant

  5. Agus Hydroelectric Power Plant

  6. Timbaban Hydroelectric Power Plant

ACTIVITY 2: GEOTHERMAL AND HYDROTHERMAL POWER PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

  • Form groups of four.

  • Complete the table on the capacity, location, and region of various power plants.

  • Research the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy.