Geothermal power plants the reality:
Geothermal power plants are one of the widely spoken debate topics whenever we talk about eco friendly energy. But instead of composing a big epitaph, I would directly come to my point.
To start from basics, a geothermal power plant works on the principles of heat exchange. It is widely known fact that geothermal energy is extracted from HOT rocks present on earth's surface. The suitable rocks are often found on surface up to a depth of 3 to 5 miles.
This image from Idaho National laboratory shows that the working of a geothermal power plant is similar to thermal and other plants involving the use of superheated steam.
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Finlportal.inl.gov%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fgateway%2FPTARGS_0_2_4972_422_3453_43%2Fhttp%253B%2Fexps3.inl.gov%253B7087%2Fpublishedcontent%2Fpublish%2Fcommunities%2Finl_gov%2Fresearch_programs%2Fenergy_and_environment%2Fenergy_systems_and_technologies%2Fgeothermal_energy%2Fwhat_is_geothermal_energy_2_column%2Fflash.gif&hash=d93ef5a1c722a38b4f50b512c5d03d5d)
Some IMPORTANT advantages of geothermal powers plant
1. We can have power plants of variable capacities
30 TO 2000GW.
2. It is one of the
CLEANEST SOURCE OF ENERGY and till we have earth, we will have this energy (let us hope so 😒)
The major disadvantages of Geothermal power plant are:
1.Hardness of rocks is one of the limitation factors in tapping these renewable sources of energy. If the rock is hard, we cannot drill through it.
2.The locations might be odd like poles or mountains. Also they are mostly situated at places with highest risk of earth quakes and volcanic eruption i.e.; near at the mouth of tectonic plates.
3.It cannot be transported. For example, we can have a coal powered thermal power plant in say Koradi and the coal is supplied from another location say Chandrapur.
The power in this case is only limited to the surrounding areas.
4.
IT IS UNRELIABLE, yes, the power plant may stop functioning abruptly for months may be years and you may require to shut up the plant.
5. Safe disposal of harmful gases present in earth's crust are more often a problem.
My view point.
The above disadvantages are mostly limited by economical factors, and metallurgical factors of drilling machines. The same factors have prevented this source as a conventional source of energy. A proper approach in countering natural factors would help us in getting through metallurgical factors. The economics will naturally will come down if we are able to provide cheaper alternative to do the same thing. The energy has a lot of potential and if we neglect its first cost, I do not think that operating cost will be very tough to manage. The reason being we are only circulating cold water and getting fuel (energy for FREE).
In my opinion, the major hurdle is however the unreliable nature of power generation.
The following Image gives the possible locations of geothermal power plants
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_cwrSE63jF7Y%2FR-TM4vAwrqI%2FAAAAAAAAAK8%2F-dKaw9_pnx8%2Fs400%2Fexisting_geothermal_power_plants.gif&hash=5421ce06b91680b3c197679542ffd37a)
If possible I will try to mention the list of operational geothermal power plants of world.
