Geothermal Geothermal EnergyEnergy

Maria CastilloMaria CastilloJasmin VillalbaJasmin VillalbaLouis AtuncarLouis Atuncar

What is What is Geothermal Geothermal

Energy?Energy?Geothermal energy is Geothermal energy is a form of renewable a form of renewable energy derived from energy derived from

heat deep in the heat deep in the earth's crust.earth's crust.

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

heat. So, geothermal heat. So, geothermal means earth-heat. means earth-heat.

Geothermal energy is Geothermal energy is called a called a

renewable energy source

because the water is because the water is replenished by rainfall, replenished by rainfall,

and the heat is and the heat is continuously produced continuously produced

by the earth. by the earth.

The entire world The entire world resource base of resource base of

geothermal energy has has been calculated in been calculated in

government surveys to government surveys to be larger than the be larger than the

resource bases of coal, resource bases of coal, oil, gas and uranium oil, gas and uranium

combined.combined.

Where Can Where Can Geothermal Energy Geothermal Energy

be Foundbe FoundGeothermal power is generated in Geothermal power is generated in over 20 countries around the world over 20 countries around the world

including Iceland, the United States, including Iceland, the United States, Italy, France, Lithuania, New Zealand, Italy, France, Lithuania, New Zealand, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Russia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Russia,

the Philippines, Indonesia, the the Philippines, Indonesia, the People's Republic of China and Japan. People's Republic of China and Japan.

Even though geothermal energy is Even though geothermal energy is technically a finite resource, the technically a finite resource, the

typical lifetime for geothermal activity typical lifetime for geothermal activity around magmatic centers - from 5,000 around magmatic centers - from 5,000 years to 1,000,000 years - is so long years to 1,000,000 years - is so long

that it is considered a renewable that it is considered a renewable resource. resource.

A common way in which geothermal A common way in which geothermal energy is obtained is through tapping energy is obtained is through tapping into hydrothermal sites, also called into hydrothermal sites, also called geothermal springs. These sites are geothermal springs. These sites are

geologically active places where geologically active places where water seeps into the Earth's crust and water seeps into the Earth's crust and

is heated by the Earth's interior, is heated by the Earth's interior, rising to the surface as steam. rising to the surface as steam.

For every 100 meters you go below For every 100 meters you go below ground, the temperature of the rock ground, the temperature of the rock

increases about 3 degrees Celsius. Or for increases about 3 degrees Celsius. Or for every 328 feet below ground, the every 328 feet below ground, the

temperature increases 5.4 degrees temperature increases 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit.

New facilities can produce electricity New facilities can produce electricity from geothermal energy for between 4.5 from geothermal energy for between 4.5 and 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, making and 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, making

it competitive with new conventional it competitive with new conventional fossil fuel-fired power plants. fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Iceland is situated in an area with a high Iceland is situated in an area with a high concentration of volcanoes, making it an concentration of volcanoes, making it an ideal location for generating geothermal ideal location for generating geothermal energy. Over 26% of Iceland's electrical energy. Over 26% of Iceland's electrical energy is generated from geothermal energy is generated from geothermal

sources. In addition, geothermal heating sources. In addition, geothermal heating is used to heat 87% of homes in Iceland. is used to heat 87% of homes in Iceland.

Icelanders plan to be 100% non-fossil Icelanders plan to be 100% non-fossil fuel in the near future. fuel in the near future.

How can How can Geothermal Energy Geothermal Energy

be Used?be Used?First of all, you have the First of all, you have the geothermal heat

pump; this is where you are going to have pump; this is where you are going to have three levels of geothermal. three levels of geothermal.

Geothermal heat pumps are pretty much are pretty much used for used for heating and cooling. So that can be . So that can be

in any heating and cooling application in any heating and cooling application that you can think of. That could include that you can think of. That could include snow melting where pipes are buried in snow melting where pipes are buried in

concrete slabs. There are some concrete slabs. There are some applications around where we have applications around where we have greenhouses that use the hot water greenhouses that use the hot water

directly for heating. There is an directly for heating. There is an agricultural application, which is fish agricultural application, which is fish

farming. There have been uses of crop farming. There have been uses of crop drying, like tomato drying and garlic and drying, like tomato drying and garlic and

onion drying. Some people are using a onion drying. Some people are using a geothermal heat to produce geothermal heat to produce ethanol and and

bio-fuels. There are all kinds of processes bio-fuels. There are all kinds of processes like that; any process that uses high like that; any process that uses high temperature of heat, say below 200 temperature of heat, say below 200

Fahrenheit. When we get above that, we Fahrenheit. When we get above that, we can use can use geothermal power plants to drive to drive turbines to make electricity. These are turbines to make electricity. These are

the three levels of the three levels of geothermal in a in a nutshell. nutshell.

Hot rocks underground heat water to produce Hot rocks underground heat water to produce steam. steam.

We drill holes down to the hot region, steam We drill holes down to the hot region, steam comes up, is purified and used to drive comes up, is purified and used to drive turbines, which drive electric generators. turbines, which drive electric generators.

There may be natural "groundwater" in the hot There may be natural "groundwater" in the hot rocks anyway, or we may need to drill more rocks anyway, or we may need to drill more holes and pump water down to them.holes and pump water down to them.

The first geothermal power station was built at The first geothermal power station was built at Landrello, in Italy, and the second was at Landrello, in Italy, and the second was at Wairekei in New Zealand. Others are in Wairekei in New Zealand. Others are in Iceland, Japan, the Philippines and the United Iceland, Japan, the Philippines and the United States. States.

In Iceland, geothermal heat is used to heat In Iceland, geothermal heat is used to heat houses as well as for generating electricity. houses as well as for generating electricity.

If the rocks aren't hot enough to produce If the rocks aren't hot enough to produce steam we can sometimes still use the energy - steam we can sometimes still use the energy - the Civic Centre in Southampton, England, is the Civic Centre in Southampton, England, is partly heated this way as part of a district partly heated this way as part of a district heating scheme with thousands of customers.. heating scheme with thousands of customers..

Geothermal Energy Geothermal Energy and The Worldand The World

Ft.Ft.ChinaChinaFranceFrance

AustraliaAustralia

China: Geothermal China: Geothermal Energy StocksEnergy Stocks

Geothermal energy Geothermal energy exploitation in China started exploitation in China started approximately around 1970. approximately around 1970.

In the socialist planned In the socialist planned economy geothermal economy geothermal

exploration was handled by exploration was handled by national bodies with public national bodies with public

investments. Drilled investments. Drilled productive wells were productive wells were

transferred free of charge to transferred free of charge to the final user. Since the the final user. Since the

mid-'80s, under the mid-'80s, under the framework of privatization framework of privatization

and liberalization of the and liberalization of the economy, national economy, national

investment in exploration investment in exploration has been reduced. No new has been reduced. No new

plants have been plants have been commissioned in the period commissioned in the period

2000-2005 (Zheng et al., 2000-2005 (Zheng et al., 2005; Battocletti et al., 2005; Battocletti et al.,

2000). 2000).

The only electricity The only electricity producing fields are producing fields are

located in Tibet. located in Tibet. According to the "2005 According to the "2005

Chinese Geothermal Chinese Geothermal Environment Bulletin" by Environment Bulletin" by

China's China's Ministry of Land and Resources

, the direct utilization of , the direct utilization of geothermal energy in geothermal energy in China will reach 13.76 China will reach 13.76

cubic meters per second, cubic meters per second, and the geothermal and the geothermal

energy will reach 10,779 energy will reach 10,779 megawatts, ranking first megawatts, ranking first in the world in the world [1]. However . However

such program has not such program has not been started so far.been started so far.

China: Geothermal China: Geothermal Energy UsageEnergy Usage

Direct uses Direct uses Total thermal Total thermal

installed installed capacity in capacity in

MWt: 3,687.0MWt: 3,687.0

Direct use in Direct use in TJ/yr: TJ/yr: 45,373.045,373.0

Direct use in Direct use in GW·h/yr: GW·h/yr: 12,604.612,604.6

Capacity Capacity factor: 0.39factor: 0.39

This country is again one of the major users of the direct-use of This country is again one of the major users of the direct-use of geothermal energy. Zheng et al. (2005) discusses the latest geothermal energy. Zheng et al. (2005) discusses the latest developments. It appears that along with the restructuring of the developments. It appears that along with the restructuring of the economy, national investment in geothermal has decreased. However, as economy, national investment in geothermal has decreased. However, as the living standard of the population has risen, geothermal has found the living standard of the population has risen, geothermal has found favor in that the waters are used more for health, tourism, and favor in that the waters are used more for health, tourism, and balneology in various hot springs. Investors are looking to increase their balneology in various hot springs. Investors are looking to increase their investment, which has led to an upsurge in geothermal drilling and investment, which has led to an upsurge in geothermal drilling and utilization particularly in the coastal regions of Beijing and Tianjin. The utilization particularly in the coastal regions of Beijing and Tianjin. The management of the resource also plays a big role particularly in the management of the resource also plays a big role particularly in the large cities. Here, efficiency in utilization has improved dramatically large cities. Here, efficiency in utilization has improved dramatically and environmental concerns are being addressed. For example, in and environmental concerns are being addressed. For example, in Beijing the total rate of extraction of hot water has been kept stable and Beijing the total rate of extraction of hot water has been kept stable and has even decreased slightly but energy utilization in terms of GWh has even decreased slightly but energy utilization in terms of GWh produced has increased significantly. The data of Zheng et al. (2005) produced has increased significantly. The data of Zheng et al. (2005) show that for the whole of China the installed capacity has risen to 3,687 show that for the whole of China the installed capacity has risen to 3,687 MWt with an annual energy use of 45,373 TJ/yr (including 15 heat MWt with an annual energy use of 45,373 TJ/yr (including 15 heat pump units ranging from 220 to 760-kW in capacity operating at an pump units ranging from 220 to 760-kW in capacity operating at an equivalent 2,880 full-load hours annually), from the 2000 (Lund and equivalent 2,880 full-load hours annually), from the 2000 (Lund and Freeston, 2001) figures of 2,282 MWt and 37,908 TJ/yr an increase in Freeston, 2001) figures of 2,282 MWt and 37,908 TJ/yr an increase in annual energy use of about 20%.annual energy use of about 20%.

China: Geothermal China: Geothermal Energy Future Energy Future

UsageUsageGeothermal space heating Geothermal space heating covers 12.7 million mcovers 12.7 million m22 and and greenhouse heating cover greenhouse heating cover about 1.33 million mabout 1.33 million m22. There . There are about 1,600 public hot are about 1,600 public hot spring bathing houses and spring bathing houses and swimming pools, including swimming pools, including about 430 where balneology about 430 where balneology and medical practices prevail in and medical practices prevail in the country. The details of the the country. The details of the specific uses are as follows: specific uses are as follows: district heating (550 MWt and district heating (550 MWt and 6,391 TJ/yr); greenhouse 6,391 TJ/yr); greenhouse heating (103 MWt and 1,176 heating (103 MWt and 1,176 TJ/yr); fish farming (174 MWt TJ/yr); fish farming (174 MWt and 1,921 TJ/yr); agricultural and 1,921 TJ/yr); agricultural drying (80 MWt and 1,007 drying (80 MWt and 1,007 TJ/yr); industrial process heat TJ/yr); industrial process heat (139 MWt and 2,603 TJ/yr); (139 MWt and 2,603 TJ/yr); bathing and swimming (1,991 bathing and swimming (1,991 MWt and 25,095 TJ/yr); other MWt and 25,095 TJ/yr); other uses (monitoring) (19 MWt and uses (monitoring) (19 MWt and 611 TJ/yr); and heat pumps 611 TJ/yr); and heat pumps (631 MWt and 6,569 TJ/yr).(631 MWt and 6,569 TJ/yr).

China continues to improve China continues to improve their geothermal energy their geothermal energy supplysupply

One way is that they have One way is that they have plans on a mega reservoir plans on a mega reservoir that contains and supply their that contains and supply their electricityelectricity

Another way is that China is Another way is that China is putting a lot of money into putting a lot of money into helping the U.S with their helping the U.S with their supply of geothermal energy. supply of geothermal energy. China plans on using China plans on using geothermal energy to power geothermal energy to power everything in their country. everything in their country.

What can China What can China Do?Do?

Speakers from countries Speakers from countries seeking more indigenous seeking more indigenous energy sources told of projects energy sources told of projects in operation or under way in in operation or under way in Nicaragua, the Philippines, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Iceland, Romania, Germany, Iceland, Romania, Germany, Chile, Colombia and much of Chile, Colombia and much of East Africa, where the Rift East Africa, where the Rift Valley offers huge resources.Valley offers huge resources.

Ernesto Martinez Tiffer, Ernesto Martinez Tiffer, President of the National President of the National Electric Co. of Nicaragua, said Electric Co. of Nicaragua, said his nation currently gets 70% his nation currently gets 70% of its annual 3,000 gig watt-of its annual 3,000 gig watt-hours from petroleum fuels hours from petroleum fuels and 30% from renewable. With and 30% from renewable. With new wind, hydropower, and new wind, hydropower, and geothermal plants being built, geothermal plants being built, he said, "in five years we hope he said, "in five years we hope to invert that."to invert that."

GEA Executive Director, said GEA Executive Director, said geothermal still costs more, geothermal still costs more, at least initially. But Martinez at least initially. But Martinez and experts from other and experts from other nations said with the high nations said with the high price of oil, domestic price of oil, domestic geothermal is economic.geothermal is economic.

Mike Allen, Chair of Mike Allen, Chair of Geothermal New Zealand, Geothermal New Zealand, said geothermal in his nation said geothermal in his nation is used for both electricity is used for both electricity and industrial process heat, and industrial process heat, in a "totally deregulated" in a "totally deregulated" power market with power market with "absolutely no government "absolutely no government incentives."incentives."

France: France: Geothermal Geothermal

Energy StocksEnergy StocksThe other major turbine supplier to The other major turbine supplier to present was Pratt & Whitney, a present was Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies (UTX). division of United Technologies (UTX). Pratt& Whitney purchased Turboden in Pratt& Whitney purchased Turboden in 2009 adding full size binary turbines 2009 adding full size binary turbines to their small-scale mass produced to their small-scale mass produced PureCycle offering (I discussed PureCycle offering (I discussed PureCycle in more depth in my 2007 PureCycle in more depth in my 2007 overview of Geothermal power.) overview of Geothermal power.) Turboden is a European supplier of Turboden is a European supplier of ORC turbine with 30 years experience ORC turbine with 30 years experience and 174 plants installed mostly in and 174 plants installed mostly in Germany, Austria, and Italy. Most of Germany, Austria, and Italy. Most of their existing plants run off biomass their existing plants run off biomass and waste heat, but they have made and waste heat, but they have made sales in geothermal, in Germany, sales in geothermal, in Germany, Austria, and France. Despite Turbo Austria, and France. Despite Turbo den's limited experience in geothermal den's limited experience in geothermal markets, Pratt& Whitney's strong markets, Pratt& Whitney's strong balance sheet and deep experience in balance sheet and deep experience in power generation markets mean the power generation markets mean the company has to be considered a company has to be considered a serious contender for geothermal serious contender for geothermal power plants, and their competitive power plants, and their competitive offerings are likely to grow stronger as offerings are likely to grow stronger as they develop a longer track record in they develop a longer track record in geothermal power generation.geothermal power generation.

France: France: Geothermal Geothermal

Energy UsageEnergy UsageFrance has developed rapidly the France has developed rapidly the geothermal energy sector during geothermal energy sector during the 80's due to a number of the 80's due to a number of favorable factors mainly including favorable factors mainly including attractive economic conditions, attractive economic conditions, appropriate government policies appropriate government policies and organizational structure. and organizational structure. Followed then a period of Followed then a period of withdrawal during the 1990's withdrawal during the 1990's marked by very little new activity. marked by very little new activity. For some years France is in a new For some years France is in a new phase of boost in activity since phase of boost in activity since 1998 following the Kyoto 1998 following the Kyoto Agreement, and the decision Agreement, and the decision taken in France to resume an taken in France to resume an active policy for energy active policy for energy management and the management and the development of renewable development of renewable energies. Over the coming years, energies. Over the coming years, these activities should continue these activities should continue in a sustainable manner, in a sustainable manner, following the implementation of following the implementation of the French Energy Law in 2005 the French Energy Law in 2005 and the "Grenelle de l' and the "Grenelle de l' environment" process launched in environment" process launched in 2007.2007.

Geothermal energy resources, Geothermal energy resources, developed for direct thermal developed for direct thermal applications, are mainly located in applications, are mainly located in the two major sedimentary basins: the two major sedimentary basins: the Paris Basin and the Aquitaine the Paris Basin and the Aquitaine Basin. The recourses are found at Basin. The recourses are found at depths between 600 and 2,000 m. depths between 600 and 2,000 m. Other French regions also have high Other French regions also have high potential for low-energy resources, potential for low-energy resources, but the geological structures are but the geological structures are more complex and the fields much more complex and the fields much more localized and less known.more localized and less known.

In Paris area 34 doublets exploiting In Paris area 34 doublets exploiting the Dogger aquifer work for more the Dogger aquifer work for more than 20 years to feed 29 geothermal than 20 years to feed 29 geothermal production plants for district production plants for district heating. These 34 doublets, with a heating. These 34 doublets, with a total installed capacity of around 240 total installed capacity of around 240 MWth, deliver each year over 1,100 MWth, deliver each year over 1,100 GWh of geothermal heat (120,000 GWh of geothermal heat (120,000 dwellings heated). This performance dwellings heated). This performance is obtained from the Dogger is obtained from the Dogger reservoir at an average depth of reservoir at an average depth of 1,500 to 2,000 m, containing a 1,500 to 2,000 m, containing a mineralized fluid (20g/l eq. NaCL) at mineralized fluid (20g/l eq. NaCL) at an average temperature of 73 oC.an average temperature of 73 oC.

France: France: Geothermal Geothermal

Energy Future Energy Future UsageUsageNew wells were drilled New wells were drilled

in 2007 and 2008 to in 2007 and 2008 to increase the geothermal increase the geothermal production and further production and further operations are on study. operations are on study. The objective is at least The objective is at least the doubling of the the doubling of the geothermal production geothermal production in the next 10 years.in the next 10 years.

An Enhanced An Enhanced Geothermal System Geothermal System (EGS) scientific pilot (EGS) scientific pilot plant module was plant module was coming into operation coming into operation end 2008, following the end 2008, following the R&D works conducted R&D works conducted on the Soultz-sous-Foret on the Soultz-sous-Foret site since 1987 site since 1987

France also possesses France also possesses high-energy resources high-energy resources that are potentially that are potentially exploitable for electricity exploitable for electricity production. These are production. These are located essentially in its located essentially in its Overseas Departments Overseas Departments (the volcanic islands of (the volcanic islands of the French West Indies - the French West Indies - Guadeloupe and Guadeloupe and Martinique - and the Martinique - and the Indian Ocean - La Indian Ocean - La Reunion) A 15 MW Reunion) A 15 MW capacity power plant is in capacity power plant is in operation at Bouillant in operation at Bouillant in Gouadeloupe since 2004, Gouadeloupe since 2004, this represents 8% of the this represents 8% of the total electricity total electricity consumption in the consumption in the island.island.

What can France What can France Do?Do?

France is now working France is now working on a geothermal on a geothermal energy power plant in energy power plant in southern Francesouthern France

France can also France can also improve on their improve on their energy mining unit.energy mining unit.

It is just a group of It is just a group of miners that found miners that found geothermal energy geothermal energy while mining for goldwhile mining for gold

Their geothermal energy Their geothermal energy plant is in northern plant is in northern France. It is still an older France. It is still an older version of a geothermal version of a geothermal plantplant

It can be updated to It can be updated to improve productionimprove production

Another thing France Another thing France can do is to try to use can do is to try to use only one energy only one energy rescource. France right rescource. France right now is using multiple now is using multiple energy sources. It will energy sources. It will help them immensly help them immensly because it will limit because it will limit them to make a bigger them to make a bigger plantplant

Australia: Australia: Geothermal Geothermal

Energy StocksEnergy StocksAustralia is not rich in geothermal Australia is not rich in geothermal resources, unlike, say, neighboring resources, unlike, say, neighboring New Zealand. Only one 120KW New Zealand. Only one 120KW geothermal energy plant (in geothermal energy plant (in Birdsville, Queensland) exists in the Birdsville, Queensland) exists in the entire country. entire country.

However, since 2001 a growing However, since 2001 a growing number of companies have number of companies have embarked on exploration projects, embarked on exploration projects, and a government official has stated and a government official has stated that geothermal energy could that geothermal energy could provide as much as 6.8 per cent of provide as much as 6.8 per cent of Australia’s base load power Australia’s base load power requirements by 2030. requirements by 2030.

Of particular interest to the Of particular interest to the explorers are the hot fractured rock explorers are the hot fractured rock deposits of Central Australia, also deposits of Central Australia, also referred to as Enhanced Geothermal referred to as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). These are granite Systems (EGS). These are granite systems that at great depth – often systems that at great depth – often as much as five kilometres – are as as much as five kilometres – are as hot as 280 degrees Celsius. Water hot as 280 degrees Celsius. Water injected into these systems returns injected into these systems returns as steam, and can be harnessed for as steam, and can be harnessed for power generation. power generation.

The Australian government has identified EGS as a The Australian government has identified EGS as a technology in which Australia is a world leader. technology in which Australia is a world leader. According to the Australian Geothermal Energy According to the Australian Geothermal Energy Group, “Initial drilling results indicate that Group, “Initial drilling results indicate that Australia’s EGS resources are among the best in the Australia’s EGS resources are among the best in the world”. Indeed, such is the scope of the Central world”. Indeed, such is the scope of the Central Australia resource that it could in theory power the Australia resource that it could in theory power the entire nation.entire nation.

Present indications are that by 2010 at least some of Present indications are that by 2010 at least some of the developers might be able to supply power to the the developers might be able to supply power to the national grid.national grid.

Eight of the companies involved in hot fractured rock Eight of the companies involved in hot fractured rock projects - not all are involved in Central Australia - projects - not all are involved in Central Australia - are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange

Australia: Australia: Geothermal Geothermal

Energy UsageEnergy UsageGeothermal energy is currently Geothermal energy is currently produced at one small binary produced at one small binary power station at Birdsville in power station at Birdsville in western Queensland, western Queensland, supplemented by diesel-supplemented by diesel-powered generators. The fluid is powered generators. The fluid is 98°C and derives from the Great 98°C and derives from the Great Artesian Basin (also referred to Artesian Basin (also referred to as the Eromanga Basin) that as the Eromanga Basin) that overlies the Cooper Basin. overlies the Cooper Basin.

In November 2006 Ergon Energy In November 2006 Ergon Energy commenced a feasibility study commenced a feasibility study into whether it can provide into whether it can provide Birdsville’s entire power Birdsville’s entire power requirements and relegate the requirements and relegate the existing LPG and diesel-fuelled existing LPG and diesel-fuelled generators to be used only as a generators to be used only as a back-up at peak times such as back-up at peak times such as the annual Birdsville races the annual Birdsville races which attract large crowds for which attract large crowds for several days. The feasibility several days. The feasibility report is due by the end of report is due by the end of March 2007.March 2007.

The water is run through a gas The water is run through a gas filled Organic Rankine cycle heat filled Organic Rankine cycle heat exchanger (shown below) which exchanger (shown below) which heats and pressurises the gas heats and pressurises the gas which drives a turbine and which drives a turbine and alternator to produce electricity. alternator to produce electricity. The partly cooled water is The partly cooled water is channelled into a pond for further channelled into a pond for further cooling and reticulation into the cooling and reticulation into the town’s water supply and the town’s water supply and the lagoon.lagoon.

The gross capacity of the plant is The gross capacity of the plant is 120 kW and has 40kW parasitic 120 kW and has 40kW parasitic losses, which equates to a net losses, which equates to a net output of 80kW. The plant was output of 80kW. The plant was shutdown from December 2004 to shutdown from December 2004 to December 2005 for upgrading to December 2005 for upgrading to meet compliance of Australian meet compliance of Australian Standards regarding handling of Standards regarding handling of isopentane and is now operating. isopentane and is now operating. Total power generation in 2006 was Total power generation in 2006 was 2 034 615 kWh of which 715 182 2 034 615 kWh of which 715 182 kWh was provided by the kWh was provided by the geothermal power plant. This geothermal power plant. This equates to 35% of total power equates to 35% of total power output. output.

Australia: Australia: Geothermal Geothermal

Energy Future Energy Future UsageUsage

Direct use of geothermal Direct use of geothermal waters has been an important waters has been an important source of energy in the city of source of energy in the city of Portland in western Victoria. Portland in western Victoria. Water pumped from a 1400 Water pumped from a 1400 metre deep bore at a metre deep bore at a temperature of 58°Celsius at temperature of 58°Celsius at rates of approximately 60 rates of approximately 60 litres per second with a litres per second with a nominal capacity of 3600 kW nominal capacity of 3600 kW and is used to heat many of and is used to heat many of the municipal buildings and the municipal buildings and public facilities. Direct use of public facilities. Direct use of this resource has been this resource has been temporarily suspended temporarily suspended pending the outcome of pending the outcome of restorative operations on the restorative operations on the bore which are in the bore which are in the planning phase.planning phase.

Geothermal waters are also Geothermal waters are also used for spas at Moree, near used for spas at Moree, near Barradine and at Lightning Barradine and at Lightning Ridge in New South Wales Ridge in New South Wales and at Hastings in south east and at Hastings in south east Tasmania. There are also two Tasmania. There are also two developments in Victoria on developments in Victoria on the Mornington Peninsula, the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne and south of Melbourne and another spa resort in another spa resort in Gippsland, Victoria. There are Gippsland, Victoria. There are no available estimates of the no available estimates of the amount of energy being amount of energy being produced at these locations. produced at these locations.

Ground source heat pumps Ground source heat pumps are also finding increased use are also finding increased use in Australia in both in Australia in both commercial and residential commercial and residential applications.applications.

What can What can Australia Do?Australia Do?

Exploration involves finding Exploration involves finding vast blocks of "hot rocks" with vast blocks of "hot rocks" with fracture systems that could fracture systems that could generate electricity through generate electricity through water being injected, water being injected, circulated through the circulated through the fractures, and being returned fractures, and being returned to surface as steam.to surface as steam.

There are vast deep-seated There are vast deep-seated granite systems in Central granite systems in Central Australia that have high Australia that have high temperatures at depth and temperatures at depth and these are being drilled by these are being drilled by companies such as Panax companies such as Panax Geothermal ,Geodynamics Ltd, Geothermal ,Geodynamics Ltd, Petratherm, Green Rock Petratherm, Green Rock Energy and Pacific Hydro to Energy and Pacific Hydro to depths of more than four depths of more than four kilometres.kilometres.

South Australia has been South Australia has been described as "Australia's hot described as "Australia's hot rock haven" and this renewable rock haven" and this renewable energy form could provide an energy form could provide an estimated 6.8% of Australia's estimated 6.8% of Australia's base load power needs by base load power needs by 2030. According to a 2030. According to a conservative estimate by the conservative estimate by the Centre for International Centre for International Economics, Australia has Economics, Australia has enough geothermal energy to enough geothermal energy to contribute electricity for 450 contribute electricity for 450 years.years.

Parts of central Tasmania have Parts of central Tasmania have been identified by KUTh Energy been identified by KUTh Energy as having the potential to as having the potential to generate up to 280MW of generate up to 280MW of power. Such a resource would power. Such a resource would be able to supply 25% of be able to supply 25% of Tasmania's electricity needs.Tasmania's electricity needs.

EnergyEnergyComparisonComparison

Geothermal EnergyGeothermal Energy

Although the environmental benefits of Although the environmental benefits of burning less fossil fuel by using renewable burning less fossil fuel by using renewable sources of energy—such as geothermal, sources of energy—such as geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind—are clear, hydropower, solar and wind—are clear, there's been a serious roadblock in their there's been a serious roadblock in their adoption: cost per kilowatt-hour.adoption: cost per kilowatt-hour.

That barrier may be opening, however—That barrier may be opening, however—at least for one of these sources. Two at least for one of these sources. Two recent reports, among others, suggest that recent reports, among others, suggest that geothermal may actually be cheaper than geothermal may actually be cheaper than every other source, including coal. every other source, including coal. Geothermal power plants work by Geothermal power plants work by pumping hot water from deep beneath pumping hot water from deep beneath Earth's surface, which can either be used Earth's surface, which can either be used to turn steam turbines directly or to heat to turn steam turbines directly or to heat a second, more volatile liquid such as a second, more volatile liquid such as isobutene (which then turns a steam isobutene (which then turns a steam turbine).turbine).

CoalCoalCoal generation requires a large power plant, replete with Coal generation requires a large power plant, replete with handling systems, burners and boilers. Coal plants require a tall handling systems, burners and boilers. Coal plants require a tall stack that emits quite a bit of carbon dioxide (CO2), plus nitrogen - stack that emits quite a bit of carbon dioxide (CO2), plus nitrogen - and sulfur-based chemicals, and various other particulates and air and sulfur-based chemicals, and various other particulates and air pollution. Coal plants usually require one or more rail lines, and pollution. Coal plants usually require one or more rail lines, and thus we see trains hauling carloads of coal from the mine to the thus we see trains hauling carloads of coal from the mine to the plant and returning the empties on backhaul. And coal plants plant and returning the empties on backhaul. And coal plants create a market for strip-mines and deep mines, which create their create a market for strip-mines and deep mines, which create their own environmental and legacy issues (depleted aquifers, surface own environmental and legacy issues (depleted aquifers, surface subsidence, etc.) Geothermal power, on the other hand, emits subsidence, etc.) Geothermal power, on the other hand, emits almost no CO2, no nitrogen or sulfur compounds, no particulates, almost no CO2, no nitrogen or sulfur compounds, no particulates, requires no rail line, no trains and no strip-mines or deep mines. requires no rail line, no trains and no strip-mines or deep mines.

There is no acid rain or mine subsidence. Geothermal just needs a There is no acid rain or mine subsidence. Geothermal just needs a number of wells in the ground, with which to cycle the hot water or number of wells in the ground, with which to cycle the hot water or steam, and to re-inject it after use. And geothermal is a reliable steam, and to re-inject it after use. And geothermal is a reliable source of base-load electric power -- 24/7/365 -- with well over 90% source of base-load electric power -- 24/7/365 -- with well over 90% historical reliability.historical reliability.

Coal wins because it is less expensive and easier to mine. But Coal wins because it is less expensive and easier to mine. But geothermal energy is still a better choice if it weren't so expensive. geothermal energy is still a better choice if it weren't so expensive.

EnergyEnergyComparisonComparison

Geothermal EnergyGeothermal EnergyMannvit’s geothermal energy projects involve harnessing Mannvit’s geothermal energy projects involve harnessing high-temperature geothermal fields and designing flash high-temperature geothermal fields and designing flash steam power plants that produce electricity and hot water steam power plants that produce electricity and hot water (combined heat and power), as well as designing (combined heat and power), as well as designing geothermal power plants that produce electricity utilizing geothermal power plants that produce electricity utilizing low-temperature geothermal fields via binary cycle.low-temperature geothermal fields via binary cycle.

The geothermal engineers, geoscientists and other The geothermal engineers, geoscientists and other company specialists at Mannvit, and its subsidiaries, have company specialists at Mannvit, and its subsidiaries, have innovated unique solutions to complex challenges innovated unique solutions to complex challenges involving geothermal heat utilization. involving geothermal heat utilization.

Over the last few years, Mannvit has established and Over the last few years, Mannvit has established and acquired subsidiaries in Hungary, Germany, UK, US and acquired subsidiaries in Hungary, Germany, UK, US and Chile to integrate established local knowledge of Chile to integrate established local knowledge of geothermal development with Mannvit's experience. geothermal development with Mannvit's experience. Partnerships have been established with geothermal Partnerships have been established with geothermal developers and agents in many countries as well as developers and agents in many countries as well as cooperation and partnerships with international cooperation and partnerships with international companies within and entering the geothermal sector. companies within and entering the geothermal sector.

HydropowerHydropowerMannvit has decades of experience in the Mannvit has decades of experience in the development of hydroelectric power, having development of hydroelectric power, having participated in the preliminary work or participated in the preliminary work or construction of most the hydropower plants and construction of most the hydropower plants and dams that have been built in Iceland since 1970.dams that have been built in Iceland since 1970.

Our specialists offer a comprehensive suite of Our specialists offer a comprehensive suite of hydroelectric design and consulting services hydroelectric design and consulting services including, engineering, EIA, project planning, including, engineering, EIA, project planning, project management and supervision in all phases project management and supervision in all phases of hydroelectric power development including of hydroelectric power development including hydroelectric dams, spillways, tunnels, power hydroelectric dams, spillways, tunnels, power transmission lines and electrical substations. transmission lines and electrical substations.

Geothermal energy wins because it is more Geothermal energy wins because it is more productive and less expensive than building a productive and less expensive than building a damn to harness hydroelectric power. Geothermal damn to harness hydroelectric power. Geothermal energy is also a faster way of generating energy.energy is also a faster way of generating energy.

EnergyEnergyComparisonComparison

Geothermal EnergyGeothermal EnergyGeothermal systems use a compressor Geothermal systems use a compressor and a heat pump to circulate the piped and a heat pump to circulate the piped warm water from beneath the ground warm water from beneath the ground into the house and raise its temperature into the house and raise its temperature to a toasty 72 degrees F. That’s similar to to a toasty 72 degrees F. That’s similar to what’s used in a central air conditioning what’s used in a central air conditioning system (but backwards and in winter.) system (but backwards and in winter.)

Since we don’t have central air Since we don’t have central air conditioning, I was stunned to hear that conditioning, I was stunned to hear that during the summer, people who do have during the summer, people who do have it can see their electric bills spike to $400 it can see their electric bills spike to $400 or $500 month.or $500 month.

“ “Same thing is happening with Same thing is happening with geothermal," he said. "You’re running a geothermal," he said. "You’re running a pump and a compressor all of the time, pump and a compressor all of the time, and you get consistently high electric and you get consistently high electric bills, but for 12 months, not just during bills, but for 12 months, not just during summer. So you have to be prepared for summer. So you have to be prepared for that. Some people in this area with that. Some people in this area with geothermal have had $500-a-month geothermal have had $500-a-month electric bills.” electric bills.”

Solar PowerSolar Power

Solar may be cheaper but it is Solar may be cheaper but it is not as productive as not as productive as geothermal powergeothermal power

Solar energy cant last forever Solar energy cant last forever because when the sun dies it because when the sun dies it can no longer be usefulcan no longer be useful

Geothermal energy wins by Geothermal energy wins by production of energy and production of energy and lasting time lasting time

Energy Energy ComparisonComparison

Global Law:Global Law:Our ResolutionOur Resolution

We believe that the world should use Geothermal Energy for We believe that the world should use Geothermal Energy for all electrical purposes because geothermal energy is renewable. all electrical purposes because geothermal energy is renewable. Since we can harness geothermal energy easily without burning Since we can harness geothermal energy easily without burning it, it makes it simpler and quite easier. But the cons of this it, it makes it simpler and quite easier. But the cons of this occurring is that we don’t have enough money and space to use occurring is that we don’t have enough money and space to use it to power our electrical items. This is an advantage because it to power our electrical items. This is an advantage because we might need the energy when who knows. Maybe in the year we might need the energy when who knows. Maybe in the year 2550 we would need energy for our supply but our fossil fuels 2550 we would need energy for our supply but our fossil fuels will eventually run out. We can use geothermal energy to power will eventually run out. We can use geothermal energy to power for at least 100,000 year. The law of geothermal energy is that for at least 100,000 year. The law of geothermal energy is that we can use it to make new things using electricity (i.e. Flying we can use it to make new things using electricity (i.e. Flying cars, time machine, anything we can imagine) We just have to cars, time machine, anything we can imagine) We just have to use Geothermal energy. Geothermal energy has enough power use Geothermal energy. Geothermal energy has enough power to do anything. So basically, our law is’’ Geothermal energy to do anything. So basically, our law is’’ Geothermal energy power plants must be found in every country. This will increase power plants must be found in every country. This will increase geothermal energy harnessing production by at least 600 more geothermal energy harnessing production by at least 600 more electrical watts”. But for this to work the world must come electrical watts”. But for this to work the world must come together to use this power source. No more war just together to use this power source. No more war just geothermal. Our motto is the same as Nike’s:” Just Do”. geothermal. Our motto is the same as Nike’s:” Just Do”. Geothermal Energy is a expensive, productive, and easier way Geothermal Energy is a expensive, productive, and easier way to use as an energy source.to use as an energy source.

BIBLIOGRAPHYBIBLIOGRAPHYhttp://www.mannvit.com/http://www.mannvit.com/GeothermalEnergy/GeothermalEnergy/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energyGeothermal_energy

http://www.local.com/results.aspx?http://www.local.com/results.aspx?keyword=geothermal+energy&cid=265keyword=geothermal+energy&cid=265&gclid=CLaUqunfvLACFQ-AhwodQjKJpw&gclid=CLaUqunfvLACFQ-AhwodQjKJpw

http://www.geo-energy.org/http://www.geo-energy.org/

Geothermal Geothermal Energy RapEnergy Rap