Introduction to

Geothermal
Energy
Geothermal energy is a renewable resource harnessed from the natural
heat within the Earth's crust. It is a clean and sustainable source of power
that can be tapped for electricity generation and direct heating
applications.

by Sri Shanth
Geothermal Energy as a
Renewable Resource
1 Inexhaustible Heat Source
The Earth's interior acts as a
continuous heat source, making
geothermal energy a renewable
resource.
2 Environmentally Friendly
Harnessing geothermal energy
produces minimal greenhouse gas
emissions and has a small
environmental footprint.

3 Reliable and Consistent

Unlike intermittent sources like solar or wind, geothermal energy provides a steady,
reliable supply of power.
Harnessing Geothermal Energy:
Direct Use
Space Heating
Geothermal heat can be used
directly to heat homes,
buildings, and greenhouses,
reducing the need for fossil
fuels.
Industrial Processes
Geothermal heat can be used
in various industrial
applications, such as food
processing, paper production,
and chemical manufacturing.
Aquaculture and
Agriculture
Geothermal energy can be
used to heat water for
aquaculture and greenhouses,
boosting crop and fish
production.
Harnessing Geothermal Energy:
Electricity Generation
Dry Steam Plants 1
Geothermal steam is directly used to
spin turbines and generate electricity.
2 Flash Steam Plants
High-pressure geothermal fluid is
converted to steam to power turbines.
Binary Cycle Plants 3
Geothermal heat is used to vaporize a
secondary fluid with a lower boiling
point, which then drives the turbines.
Geothermal Heat Pumps and
Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Efficiency Advantages
Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient,
using 25-50% less electricity than traditional
HVAC systems.
Environmental Benefits
Geothermal heat pumps have a small carbon
footprint and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Year-Round Comfort
Geothermal heat pumps provide both
heating and cooling, maintaining a
comfortable indoor climate.
Long-Lasting Systems
Geothermal heat pumps have a lifespan of
20-25 years, significantly longer than
traditional HVAC systems.
Challenges and Limitations of
Geothermal Energy
1 High Upfront 2 Limited Suitable
Costs
Developing geothermal
projects requires
significant initial
investments in
exploration, drilling, and
infrastructure.
3 Potential
Locations Environmental
Geothermal resources
Impacts
are only available in Geothermal development
certain regions with can pose risks, such as
suitable geological induced seismicity and
conditions. the release of hazardous
gases.
Environmental Impacts and
Sustainability of Geothermal
Energy
Low Emissions
1 Geothermal energy has a small carbon footprint and produces minimal
greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Resource
2 The Earth's internal heat is a continuously replenished source of energy,
making geothermal power sustainable.

Minimal Land Use

3 Geothermal power plants have a relatively small surface footprint compared
to other energy sources.
Future Outlook and Advancements
in Geothermal Technology
Enhanced Geothermal
Systems
New techniques can extract
heat from low-permeability
rock, expanding the geothermal
resource base.
Directional Drilling
Advancements in drilling
technology allow for more
efficient and targeted access to
geothermal reservoirs.
Novel Power
Generation
Innovative binary cycle and
supercritical technologies are
improving the efficiency of
geothermal electricity
production.