Geothermal technology harnesses the power of the Earth’s heat deep within its crust to generate energy for a variety of applications. The level of sophistication in geothermal technology is determined by the task at hand and the amount of energy required. To supplement space heating, some systems may use very low levels of heat. Others may generate electricity using extremely hot sources.
In order to achieve its goal of space heating for buildings, whether they are commercial buildings or private residences, geothermal technology employs a very simple heat transference process. Geothermal loops are installed, and heat is transferred to the building via a heat transfer process. Water or antifreeze liquids are usually added to the loop to accomplish this. The heat is then transported to the surface, where it is used and then returned to the Earth in a continuous cycle.
The limitations of this type of geothermal technology are that it has very little practical use other than to supplement and help control energy costs. In fact, the process uses so little energy that it can’t even be used to completely replace traditional heating methods inside a building. A much more sophisticated geothermal technology is required to transfer enough energy to the masses.
Producing enough energy for a large-scale operation requires finding enough heat close enough to the surface to be cost effective, which is more heat than is normally produced at many locations on Earth. However, in those locations where it is found, the amount of energy that can be produced is nearly limitless and extremely clean. Any byproduct is typically excess steam, which is not harmful to the environment.
Almost all geothermal plants operate in the same way. A turbine is powered by steam. The turbine generates electricity, which is then sent out via power lines to its final destination, where it can be used. Drilling geothermal wells is required for this. The question is, however, how to get the steam. This is a simple answer in some cases; it occurs naturally. Other liquids must be placed close to the heat in order to produce steam in other cases. In any case, the technology is still extremely clean. As a result, depending on the situation, geothermal technology can change.
The most affordable type of plant is one that produces steam naturally. These are found in geologically active areas, which are usually identified by geysers or volcanoes. These geological features, on the other hand, are sometimes used as tourist attractions. This could lead to a conflict between two industries that are competing. In the end, the local society will have to decide whether the tourist dollars or the cheap energy are more valuable.