GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy is the natural heat generated from within the earth. Undemeath the earth’s relatively thin crust, temperatures range from 1000 to 4000 C and in some areas, pressure exceeds 20,000 pounds per square inch (Psl).

Geothermal energy is most likely generated from radioactive thorium, pot assium and uranium dispersed evenly throughout the earth’s interior which produce heat as part of the decaying process. Volcances, hot springs, geysers and fumaroles are natural clues as to the presence of geothermal resources near the surface and perhaps where economic drilling operations can tap their heat and pressure. About 10 percent of the worlds land mass contains accessible geothermal resources and could provide several million quads of energy annually.

Geothermal energy is derived using the earth’s natural fluids to extract thermal energy that can be sent through turbines to generate electricity or be used directly e.g. direct heating and industrial process heat. Conventional oil and gas drilling methods are primarily used to extract ge0thermal resources using harder drill bills to combal corrosion and high temperature. As it is uneconomical to transport the thermal energy over long distances, the end use is often located near the source.