Geothermal Energy | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Geothermal Energy

• Radioactive substances located deep within the Earth emit energy as they undergo decay, leading to the heating of rocks, often to elevated temperatures.
• Water can be injected into underground shafts where it absorbs heat from the rocks, and then it's brought back up through another shaft as either steam or hot water.
• The steam produced can be utilized to power turbines, generating electricity, while the hot water can be employed for heating residences.

Advantages

• Renewable Resource: Geothermal energy is considered a renewable resource because it harnesses the heat from the Earth's core, which is a continuous source of energy.
• Reliable Source of Energy: Geothermal energy provides a consistent and reliable source of power, as it does not rely on external factors like weather conditions or fuel availability.
• Geothermal Power Station Size: Geothermal power stations are typically smaller in size compared to nuclear or fossil fuel power stations, making them suitable for various locations, including areas with limited space.

Disadvantages

• Few Suitable Locations for Large-Scale Production: Geothermal energy requires specific geological conditions for efficient electricity generation, limiting its widespread use to regions with suitable characteristics.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: In some cases, geothermal energy extraction can lead to the release of greenhouse gases trapped underground, contributing to environmental concerns.
• High Construction Costs: Building geothermal power plants involves significant initial investments due to the complex technology and infrastructure required for harnessing underground heat.