For a long time there has been a search for new alternatives that can replace the generation of energy from fossil fuels, this has led countless companies and industries to opt for never-before-seen alternatives to generate clean and sustainable energy. Now, a project has brought to light the great energy potential that lies beneath the Earth.
A great energy potential available under the Earth
When talking about generating energy from renewable sources, the first thing that comes to mind for many is a wind farm or large photovoltaic power parks, and even hydroelectric power plants are often mentioned. However, for the creation of clean and sustainable carbon-free energy there are many other alternatives, one of which is geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy can greatly help power generation, as we are talking about using the high temperatures found underneath the Earth to create energy free of greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes significantly to leaving traditional fossil fuel-powered sources in the dust.
A clear example of the potential of geothermal energy are two geothermal power plants located in Italy, specifically the Valle Secolo geothermal power plant, which is capable of supplying 150,000 families in the region. In fact, Enel Green Power’s geologist assures that the more steam is extracted, the less oil tankers will travel.
How do these power plants work? Beyond solar panels and wind turbines
As mentioned above, geothermal energy has long been used to heat homes and generate clean energy. It comes from the Earth’s internal heat, contained in the rock and fluids beneath the Earth’s crust. When it comes to extracting and exploiting it, this form of energy can be found several kilometers below the earth’s surface or in shallow soil.
These subway reservoirs, which contain steam and hot water at high temperatures, are easy to tap to generate electricity and even heat homes or entire buildings. This is also due to a geothermal heat pump, which is capable of harnessing a constant temperature and heating homes in winter and cooling them in summer.
On the other hand, if you are looking to generate electricity from geothermal energy, it is necessary to drill kilometers deep wells. These wells must be in subway reservoirs to take advantage of the maximum potential of steam and water. These components then drive turbines connected to generators, creating electricity from the steam and water at high temperatures.
The whole world is in search of this promising form of energy.
We mentioned earlier that geothermal energy is one of the least popular in recent times, even though it has been discovered and used for centuries to heat different spaces. Now, the renewable energy sector has stepped up to the plate and has begun to create new geothermal plants around the world.
This form of energy could supply the world’s population with electricity for many years to come, since we are talking about a constant form of energy generation and it is available all over the world to make the most of it.
Geothermal energy is emerging as a promising solution in the global search for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Harnessing the Earth’s natural heat, this clean and constant source of energy has the potential to power thousands of homes without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
