Geothermal Energy Flashcards
What is geothermal energy?
It is derived from the hot rocks beneath the surface of the Earth.
Is geothermal energy clean?
No, although it is renewable it does contain pollutants such as hydrogen sulphide in the steam and heated water.
Where do large scale geothermal power stations get steam from?
Naturally (geysers and hot springs) or artificially.
How is steam created artificially?
Cold water is pumped down boreholes, where it becomes heated by contact with hot underlying rocks and turns to steam. This steam then returns to the surface and is used to generate electricity.
Where is geothermal energy located?
Areas that are actively tectonically such as the USA and New Zealand.
Uk small scale project:
Southampton district energy scheme;
1986- council began pumping heat from a geothermal borehole started to use this to provide heating and cooling services.
(1000+ homes)
