Geothermal Geothermal EnergyEnergyBy: Louis AtuncarBy: Louis Atuncar

Jasmin VillalbaJasmin VillalbaMaria CastilloMaria Castillo

Why Geothermal?Why Geothermal?Geothermal energy is thermal Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the the Earth. Thermal energy is the

energy that determines the energy that determines the temperature of matter. Earth's temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates geothermal energy originates

from the original formation of the from the original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive planet (20%) and from radioactive

decay of minerals (80%).decay of minerals (80%).

The geothermal gradient, which is The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature the difference in temperature

between the core of the planet between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a and its surface, drives a

continuous conduction of thermal continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heat from energy in the form of heat from

the core to the surface. The the core to the surface. The adjective adjective geothermalgeothermal originates originates

from the Greek roots from the Greek roots ge-ge- meaning meaning earth, and earth, and thermos,thermos, meaning hot. meaning hot.

The Green Home Builders is a The Green Home Builders is a community working together to community working together to make everyone use Geothermal make everyone use Geothermal

EnergyEnergy

The Earth is not The Earth is not SolidSolid

The Earth is made in The Earth is made in layers in which layers in which

geothermal energy is geothermal energy is produced in the core.produced in the core.

The first step in the The first step in the organic creation of organic creation of

geothermal energy is geothermal energy is that the core gets boiled that the core gets boiled until it releases a huge until it releases a huge

amount of energy, amount of energy, known as geothermal known as geothermal

energy energy

It is then that the energy It is then that the energy is pushed to the surface is pushed to the surface

where it is releasedwhere it is released

The energy is spread The energy is spread throughout the throughout the

atmosphere and is caught atmosphere and is caught by man for our usesby man for our uses

This energy is renewable This energy is renewable because it is organic, because it is organic,

meaning coming from the meaning coming from the earthearth

Geothermal energy is Geothermal energy is generated by heat stored generated by heat stored

beneath the earths beneath the earths surfacesurface

The Earth is Not The Earth is Not SolidSolid

Geothermal is Geothermal is RenewableRenewable

Geothermal power Geothermal power plants don’t burn fuel plants don’t burn fuel to produce electricity, to produce electricity,

they just use the they just use the energy’s fuel cells toenergy’s fuel cells to

Geothermal energy is Geothermal energy is eco-friendly because eco-friendly because

it is organicit is organic

It only release 1% of It only release 1% of Carbon-dioxide into Carbon-dioxide into

the atmospherethe atmosphere

It is amazing how it It is amazing how it uses 97% of rainfall as uses 97% of rainfall as one of its many power one of its many power

suppliessupplies

Geothermal energy Geothermal energy supplies less than 10% supplies less than 10% of the word’s energy of the word’s energy

suppliessupplies

Geothermal energy is Geothermal energy is sustainable because sustainable because

water can be re-water can be re-injected into the earths injected into the earths

surfacesurface

Geothermal is Geothermal is RenewableRenewable

Where is Where is geothermal energy geothermal energy

found?found?Geothermal energy Geothermal energy

naturally occurs in large naturally occurs in large areas of hydrothermal areas of hydrothermal

resources as the form of resources as the form of volcanoes, geysers, or hot volcanoes, geysers, or hot

springssprings

These areas are also These areas are also referred to as geothermal referred to as geothermal

reservoirsreservoirs

It can also be found It can also be found underground which is one underground which is one of the main reasons why of the main reasons why mining started in North mining started in North

AmericaAmerica

Geothermal Energy is Geothermal Energy is found in locations with found in locations with

high temperatureshigh temperatures

Most geothermal Most geothermal reservoirs are found near reservoirs are found near

plate boundaries, plate boundaries, especially in the Pacific especially in the Pacific

Plate-BoundaryPlate-Boundary

When magma makes When magma makes contact to the surface, it contact to the surface, it heats the ground-water heats the ground-water

trapped on fractures and trapped on fractures and faults making faults making

hydrothermal resources hydrothermal resources which leads to the creation which leads to the creation of geothermal reservoirsof geothermal reservoirs

The U.S has a massive The U.S has a massive supply of geothermal supply of geothermal

reservoirs which has been reservoirs which has been producing energy since producing energy since

19601960

Where is Where is Geothermal Energy Geothermal Energy

found?found?

We use We use geothermal geothermal

energyenergyGeothermal energy has three Geothermal energy has three main uses: Heating; Electricity main uses: Heating; Electricity

generating; and geothermal heat generating; and geothermal heat pumpspumps

Geothermal energy exploit uses Geothermal energy exploit uses three basic types of geothermal three basic types of geothermal power plants: Dry steam, Flash power plants: Dry steam, Flash steam and Binary power plant.steam and Binary power plant.

Geothermal energy is widely used Geothermal energy is widely used in California with more than 30 in California with more than 30

geothermal power plants that are geothermal power plants that are producing more than 90 % of the producing more than 90 % of the geothermal electricity in the USA.geothermal electricity in the USA.

Geothermal energy widely Geothermal energy widely exploited in Iceland, New Zealand, exploited in Iceland, New Zealand,

Japan, Italy, Philippines and in Japan, Italy, Philippines and in USA mostly in California and USA mostly in California and

Nevada.Nevada.

ElectricityElectricityGeothermal energy is widely used in Geothermal energy is widely used in

California with more than 30 California with more than 30 geothermal power plants that are geothermal power plants that are producing more than 90 % of the producing more than 90 % of the geothermal electricity in the USA.geothermal electricity in the USA.

Geothermal energy's amount of Geothermal energy's amount of electricity is less than 1 percent of electricity is less than 1 percent of

total electricity produced in the total electricity produced in the USA.USA.

Geothermal energy is giving 18 % of Geothermal energy is giving 18 % of Iceland's total electricity.Iceland's total electricity.

Geothermal energy could produce Geothermal energy could produce 10 percent of US electricity by the 10 percent of US electricity by the

year 2050.year 2050.

Geothermal energy could supply US Geothermal energy could supply US with more than 30,000 MW of power with more than 30,000 MW of power

by 2025.by 2025.

Geothermal energy can be easily found and Geothermal energy can be easily found and exploited along the "Ring of Fire" region.exploited along the "Ring of Fire" region.

Geothermal energy is extremely efficient Geothermal energy is extremely efficient (almost 100 %) energy source where only real (almost 100 %) energy source where only real

source of losing energy is from turbine friction.source of losing energy is from turbine friction.

Geothermal energy has only one real problem Geothermal energy has only one real problem and that is lack easily accessible sites.and that is lack easily accessible sites.

A Geothermal advantage is also the fact that A Geothermal advantage is also the fact that geothermal power plants run continuously day geothermal power plants run continuously day and night with an uptime typically exceeding and night with an uptime typically exceeding

95%.95%.

ElectricityElectricity

Geothermal FactsGeothermal FactsGeothermal energy is a form of renewable Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy derived from heat deep in the earth's energy derived from heat deep in the earth's crust.crust.

Geothermal Energy has been around for as Geothermal Energy has been around for as long as the Earth has existed. "Geo" means long as the Earth has existed. "Geo" means earth, and "thermal" means heat. So, earth, and "thermal" means heat. So, geothermal means earth-heat.geothermal means earth-heat.

Geothermal power is generated in, Costa Rica, Geothermal power is generated in, Costa Rica, Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, the People's Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, the People's Republic of China and Japan. over 20 countries Republic of China and Japan. over 20 countries around the world including Iceland, the United around the world including Iceland, the United States, Italy, France, Lithuania, New Zealand, States, Italy, France, Lithuania, New Zealand, Mexico, NicaraguaMexico, Nicaragua

The entire world resource base of geothermal The entire world resource base of geothermal energy has been calculated in government energy has been calculated in government surveys to be larger than the resource bases surveys to be larger than the resource bases of coal, oil, gas and uranium combined.of coal, oil, gas and uranium combined.

Iceland is situated in an area with a high Iceland is situated in an area with a high concentration of volcanoes, making it an ideal concentration of volcanoes, making it an ideal location for generating geothermal energy. location for generating geothermal energy. Over 26% of Iceland's electrical energy is Over 26% of Iceland's electrical energy is generated from geothermal sources. In generated from geothermal sources. In addition, geothermal heating is used to heat addition, geothermal heating is used to heat 87% of homes in Iceland. Icelanders plan to be 87% of homes in Iceland. Icelanders plan to be 100% non-fossil fuel in the near future. 100% non-fossil fuel in the near future.

About 2850 megawatts of geothermal About 2850 megawatts of geothermal generation capacity is available from power generation capacity is available from power plants in the western United States. plants in the western United States. Geothermal energy generates about 2% of Geothermal energy generates about 2% of the electricity in Utah, 6% of the electricity the electricity in Utah, 6% of the electricity in California and almost 10% of the in California and almost 10% of the electricity in northern Nevada. electricity in northern Nevada.

Today, geothermal energy is utilized in Today, geothermal energy is utilized in three technology categories:three technology categories:

Heating and cooling buildings via Heating and cooling buildings via geothermal heat pumps that utilize geothermal heat pumps that utilize shallow sourcesshallow sources

Heating structures with direct-use Heating structures with direct-use applicationsapplications

Generating electricity through indirect Generating electricity through indirect use.use.

The most active geothermal resources are The most active geothermal resources are usually found along major plate boundaries usually found along major plate boundaries where earthquakes and volcanoes are where earthquakes and volcanoes are concentrated. Most of the geothermal concentrated. Most of the geothermal activity in the world occurs in an area activity in the world occurs in an area called the Ring of Fire. This area rims the called the Ring of Fire. This area rims the Pacific Ocean.Pacific Ocean.

A common way in which geothermal energy A common way in which geothermal energy is obtained is through tapping into is obtained is through tapping into hydrothermal sites, also called geothermal hydrothermal sites, also called geothermal springs. These sites are geologically active springs. These sites are geologically active places where water seeps into the Earth's places where water seeps into the Earth's crust and is heated by the Earth's interior, crust and is heated by the Earth's interior, rising to the surface as steam. rising to the surface as steam.

Geothermal Geothermal Energy UsageEnergy Usage

CHINACHINA

Uses 8,724 watts Uses 8,724 watts every month.every month.

Uses the cleanest Uses the cleanest energyenergy

Has the largest Has the largest supply of Geothermal supply of Geothermal Energy in the worldEnergy in the world

Has geothermal Has geothermal energy power plants energy power plants all over the countryall over the country

UNITED STATES OF AMERICAUNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Has a supply of Has a supply of geothermal energy in geothermal energy in the western part of the the western part of the countrycountry

Has power plants set up Has power plants set up mainly in the westmainly in the west

Geothermal Energy is Geothermal Energy is created generally in created generally in plate-boundaries, so the plate-boundaries, so the nearest plate-boundary nearest plate-boundary is in the western part of is in the western part of the U.S.Athe U.S.A

Geothermal Geothermal Energy UsageEnergy Usage

China 19.5% United States 12.6% Iceland 12.5% Turkey 9.8% New Zealand 4.4% Georgia 3.9% Russia 3.8% Japan 3.6% France 3% Sweden 2.6% Mexico 2.4% Italy 2.3% Romania 1.8% Hungary 1.8% India 1.6% Switzerland 1.5% Serbia and Montenegro 1.5% Slovakia 1.3% Israel 1.1% Bulgaria 1%

IGAIGA The International Geothermal Association (IGA), The International Geothermal Association (IGA), founded in 1988, is a scientific, educational and founded in 1988, is a scientific, educational and cultural organization established to operate cultural organization established to operate worldwide. It has more than 5,200 members in over worldwide. It has more than 5,200 members in over 65 countries.65 countries.

The IGA is a non-political, non-profit, non-The IGA is a non-political, non-profit, non-governmental organization. The objectives of the governmental organization. The objectives of the IGA are to encourage research, the development IGA are to encourage research, the development

and utilization of geothermal resources worldwide and utilization of geothermal resources worldwide through the publication of scientific and technical through the publication of scientific and technical information among the geothermal specialists, the information among the geothermal specialists, the

business community, governmental business community, governmental representatives, UN organizations, civil society and representatives, UN organizations, civil society and

the general public. the general public. The IGA headquarters is located in Bochum, The IGA headquarters is located in Bochum,

Germany at the International Geothermal Centre of Germany at the International Geothermal Centre of the Bochum University of Applied Sciences.the Bochum University of Applied Sciences.

IGA is a founding partner of the International IGA is a founding partner of the International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN Alliance). The REN Renewable Energy Alliance (REN Alliance). The REN

Alliance is a close partnership of five globally Alliance is a close partnership of five globally operating renewable energy associations with the operating renewable energy associations with the

aim of promoting renewable energy sources aim of promoting renewable energy sources worldwide. The work includes political dialogue and worldwide. The work includes political dialogue and advisory on potentials and scenarios for renewable, advisory on potentials and scenarios for renewable, sustainability assessments, carbon funds, policies sustainability assessments, carbon funds, policies

and other related fields.and other related fields.The other REN Alliance partners are the The other REN Alliance partners are the

International Hydropower Association (IHA), the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), the World International Solar Energy Society (ISES), the World Bio-energy Association (WBA) and the World Wind Bio-energy Association (WBA) and the World Wind

Energy Association (WWEA).Energy Association (WWEA).

International International Connection: China Connection: China

StocksStocks• But Chinese company Great Wall Drilling is now making itself a But Chinese company Great Wall Drilling is now making itself a

foreign force in Africa, where a dire need to develop domestic foreign force in Africa, where a dire need to develop domestic

energy resources means companies from the Middle Kingdom are energy resources means companies from the Middle Kingdom are

moving in steadily.moving in steadily.

• Kenya's state-run Kenya's state-run Geothermal Development Company (GDC)

recently committed $240 million per year to the expansion of the

national geothermal power resource.

• Kenya is reliant on hydropower for most of its electricity, and Kenya is reliant on hydropower for most of its electricity, and

droughts consistently threaten that resource and subsequent droughts consistently threaten that resource and subsequent

power delivery. power delivery.

• With its landscape cut across by the Great Rift Valley, which is in With its landscape cut across by the Great Rift Valley, which is in

the process of splitting two parts of the tectonic African Plate, the process of splitting two parts of the tectonic African Plate,

Kenya holds a geothermal output potential of 7000 megawatts (7 Kenya holds a geothermal output potential of 7000 megawatts (7

GW). Currently, only 167 MW of that has been tapped.GW). Currently, only 167 MW of that has been tapped.

• By 2030, the Kenyan government has set the goal of bringing 4000 By 2030, the Kenyan government has set the goal of bringing 4000

MW of geothermal power online to serve one of Africa's most MW of geothermal power online to serve one of Africa's most

promising developing nations.promising developing nations.

• Great Wall Drilling is furthering the recent trend of Chinese Great Wall Drilling is furthering the recent trend of Chinese

companies moving into African resource markets by launching a companies moving into African resource markets by launching a

massive exploration and production campaign. Great Wall Drilling massive exploration and production campaign. Great Wall Drilling

has 47 wells in Kenya either planned or already dug.has 47 wells in Kenya either planned or already dug.

• Those pilot wells will serve to give Kenyan officials in the capital Those pilot wells will serve to give Kenyan officials in the capital

Nairobi and throughout the country more of an idea of how to Nairobi and throughout the country more of an idea of how to

maximize official funds and draw investment from global maximize official funds and draw investment from global

geothermal leaders like geothermal leaders like Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA).

• Great Wall Drilling will be just one of many international companies Great Wall Drilling will be just one of many international companies

Kenya needs to get 72 wells drilled per year to reach 4 GW by Kenya needs to get 72 wells drilled per year to reach 4 GW by

2030. 2030.

• Stay with Green Chip Stocks to learn more about how the Stay with Green Chip Stocks to learn more about how the

development of alternative energy resources in developing development of alternative energy resources in developing

countries like Kenya could help them "leapfrog" fossil fuel. The countries like Kenya could help them "leapfrog" fossil fuel. The

same has already happened with telecoms, as Kenya bypassed same has already happened with telecoms, as Kenya bypassed

fixed-line infrastructure for wireless communication. fixed-line infrastructure for wireless communication.

International International Connection: ChinaConnection: China

EconomicsEconomicsGeothermal power requires no fuel (except for pumps), and is Geothermal power requires no fuel (except for pumps), and is therefore immune to fuel cost fluctuations. However, capital therefore immune to fuel cost fluctuations. However, capital costs are significant. Drilling accounts for over half the costs, costs are significant. Drilling accounts for over half the costs, and exploration of deep resources entails significant risks. A and exploration of deep resources entails significant risks. A typical well doublet (extraction and injection wells) in typical well doublet (extraction and injection wells) in Nevada can support 4.5 megawatts (MW) and costs about $10 million to drill, with a 20% failure rate.

In total, electrical plant construction and well drilling cost about In total, electrical plant construction and well drilling cost about €2-5 million per MW of electrical capacity, while the €2-5 million per MW of electrical capacity, while the break–even price is 0.04-0.10 € per kW·h. Enhanced geothermal systems tend to be on the high side of these ranges, with capital costs above $4 million per MW and break–even above $0.054 per kW·h in 2007.[31] Direct heating applications can use much shallower wells with lower temperatures, so smaller systems with lower costs and risks are feasible. Residential geothermal heat pumps with a capacity of 10 kilowatt (kW) are routinely installed for around $1–3,000 per kilowatt. District heating systems may benefit from economies of scale if demand is geographically dense, as in cities, but otherwise piping installation dominates capital costs. The capital cost of one such district heating system in Bavaria was estimated at somewhat over 1 million € per MW. Direct systems of any size are much simpler than electric generators and have lower maintenance costs per kW·h, but they must consume electricity to run pumps and compressors. Some governments subsidize geothermal projects.

Geothermal power is highly scalable: from a rural village to an Geothermal power is highly scalable: from a rural village to an entire city.entire city.

Chevron Corporation is the world's largest private geothermal electricity producer. The most developed geothermal field is The Geysers in Northern California.

International International Connection: ChinaConnection: China

Environmental Environmental Effects Effects Fluids drawn from the deep earth carry a mixture of gases, notably Fluids drawn from the deep earth carry a mixture of gases, notably

carbon dioxide (CO22), ), hydrogen sulfide (H22S), S), methane (CH44) and ) and ammonia (NH33). These pollutants contribute to ). These pollutants contribute to global warming, acid rain, and noxious smells if released. Existing geothermal electric plants emit an average of 122 kilograms (270 lb) of CO22 per megawatt-hour (MW·h) of electricity, a small per megawatt-hour (MW·h) of electricity, a small fraction of the fraction of the emission intensity of conventional fossil fuel plants. Plants that Plants that experience high levels of acids and volatile chemicals are usually equipped with experience high levels of acids and volatile chemicals are usually equipped with emission-control systems to reduce the exhaust.emission-control systems to reduce the exhaust.

In addition to dissolved gases, hot water from geothermal sources may hold in In addition to dissolved gases, hot water from geothermal sources may hold in solution trace amounts of toxic chemicals such as solution trace amounts of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic, boron, and antimony.[42] These chemicals precipitate as the water cools, and can cause These chemicals precipitate as the water cools, and can cause environmental damage if released. The modern practice of injecting cooled environmental damage if released. The modern practice of injecting cooled geothermal fluids back into the Earth to stimulate production has the side geothermal fluids back into the Earth to stimulate production has the side benefit of reducing this environmental risk.benefit of reducing this environmental risk.

Direct geothermal heating systems contain pumps and compressors, which Direct geothermal heating systems contain pumps and compressors, which may consume energy from a polluting source. This may consume energy from a polluting source. This parasitic load is normally a fraction of the heat output, so it is always less polluting than electric heating. However, if the electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels, then the net emissions of geothermal heating may be comparable to directly burning the fuel for heat. For example, a geothermal heat pump powered by electricity from a combined cycle natural gas plant would produce about as much pollution as a natural gas condensing furnace of the same size. Therefore the environmental value of direct geothermal heating applications is highly dependent on the emissions intensity of the neighboring electric grid.

Plant construction can adversely affect land stability. Subsidence has occurred Plant construction can adversely affect land stability. Subsidence has occurred in the in the Wairakei field in New Zealand and in Staufen in Breisgau, Germany.

Enhanced geothermal systems can trigger earthquakes as part of hydraulic Enhanced geothermal systems can trigger earthquakes as part of hydraulic fracturing. The project in Basel, Switzerland was suspended because more than fracturing. The project in Basel, Switzerland was suspended because more than 10,000 seismic events measuring up to 3.4 on the Richter Scale occurred over 10,000 seismic events measuring up to 3.4 on the Richter Scale occurred over the first 6 days of water injection.the first 6 days of water injection.

International International Connection: ChinaConnection: China

Legal UsageLegal UsageSome of the legal issues raised Some of the legal issues raised by geothermal energy resources by geothermal energy resources include questions of ownership include questions of ownership and allocation of the resource, and allocation of the resource, the grant of exploration permits, the grant of exploration permits, exploitation rights, royalties, and exploitation rights, royalties, and the extent to which geothermal the extent to which geothermal energy issues have been energy issues have been recognized in existing planning recognized in existing planning and environmental laws. Other and environmental laws. Other questions concern overlap questions concern overlap between geothermal and mineral between geothermal and mineral or petroleum tenements. Broader or petroleum tenements. Broader issues concern the extent to issues concern the extent to which the legal framework for which the legal framework for encouragement of renewable encouragement of renewable energy assists in encouraging energy assists in encouraging geothermal industry innovation geothermal industry innovation and development.and development.

International International Connection: ChinaConnection: China

Future UsageFuture UsageGeothermal energy has the potential to play a Geothermal energy has the potential to play a significant role in moving the United States (and significant role in moving the United States (and other regions of the world) toward a cleaner, other regions of the world) toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. It is one of the more sustainable energy system. It is one of the few renewable energy technologies that - like few renewable energy technologies that - like fossil fuels - can supply continuous, base load fossil fuels - can supply continuous, base load power. The costs for electricity from geothermal power. The costs for electricity from geothermal facilities are also declining. Some geothermal facilities are also declining. Some geothermal facilities have realized at least 50% reductions in facilities have realized at least 50% reductions in the price of electricity since 1980. New facilities the price of electricity since 1980. New facilities can produce electricity for between 4.5 and 7.3 can produce electricity for between 4.5 and 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it competitive cents per kilowatt-hour, making it competitive with new conventional fossil fuel-fired power with new conventional fossil fuel-fired power plants.plants.

As hot dry rock technologies improve and As hot dry rock technologies improve and become competitive, even more of the largely become competitive, even more of the largely untapped geothermal resource could be untapped geothermal resource could be developed. In addition to electric power developed. In addition to electric power generation, which is focused primarily in the generation, which is focused primarily in the western United States, there is a bright future western United States, there is a bright future for the direct use of geothermal resources as a for the direct use of geothermal resources as a heating source for homes and businesses heating source for homes and businesses everywhere. everywhere.

May 2010: Google invests in a new technology. A May 2010: Google invests in a new technology. A novel drill that is inspired by a jet engine and novel drill that is inspired by a jet engine and uses super-heated water to carve through rock uses super-heated water to carve through rock could help make clean energy from underground could help make clean energy from underground rocks more economically viable, according to its rocks more economically viable, according to its backers at Google. A report by MIT estimated backers at Google. A report by MIT estimated says that tapping just 2% of the potential says that tapping just 2% of the potential resource from so-called enhanced geothermal resource from so-called enhanced geothermal systems between 3km and 10km below the systems between 3km and 10km below the surface of continental USA could supply more surface of continental USA could supply more than 2,500 times the country's total annual than 2,500 times the country's total annual energy use.energy use.