Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the natural heat of the earth to produce electricity and provide heating and cooling. It has the potential to play a key role in addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy security. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), geothermal energy has the potential to meet up to 3.5% of global electricity demand by 2050 [1].

One of the innovations being developed in the geothermal energy sector is enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). EGS involves creating artificial geothermal reservoirs by injecting water into hot dry rock formations deep underground, which is then heated by the rock and pumped back up to the surface to produce electricity [2]. This technology has the potential to greatly expand the use of geothermal energy by making it possible to produce electricity in areas where natural geothermal reservoirs are not available.

Another innovation in geothermal energy is the use of binary cycle power plants. In a binary cycle power plant, the geothermal fluid is passed through a heat exchanger where it heats a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point, which then vaporizes and drives a turbine to produce electricity. This process can be more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional geothermal power plants, as it does not require the use of steam, which can contain impurities that contribute to air pollution [3].

Despite its potential benefits, there are also some challenges and limitations to the use of geothermal energy. One of the main challenges is that it can be expensive to drill and construct geothermal power plants, especially in areas where geothermal resources are not as readily available [4]. In addition, there are concerns about the potential for induced seismicity, or earthquakes caused by the injection of water into the ground for EGS [5].

Overall, geothermal energy provides significant opportunities for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy production. However, continued innovation and investment will be necessary to fully realize its potential and overcome the challenges and limitations that exist.

Sources:

[1] International Renewable Energy Agency. (2019). Global energy transformation: A roadmap to 2050. Abu Dhabi: International Renewable Energy Agency. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2019/Apr/IRENA_Global_Energy_Transformation_2019.pdf

[2] U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Enhanced Geothermal Systems. https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/enhanced-geothermal-systems

[3] Geothermal Energy Association. (2021). Binary Cycle Power Plants. https://geo-energy.org/binary_cycle_power_plants.aspx

[4] U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2021). Geothermal explained. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/geothermal/

[5] U.S. Geological Survey. (2021). Induced Earthquakes.