Converting hot lava from an active volcano into electricity would be dangerous and unsafe. Volcanoes don’t erupt on predictable schedules, and the lava cools too quickly. But many countries, including the US, have found ways to harness volcanic heat to produce electricity.
Geothermal energy comes from heat generated by natural processes deep within the Earth. In most areas, this heat only warms rocks and groundwater near the surface. In active volcanic regions, however, the heat is much more intense. Sometimes this melts the rocks, forming magma.
Volcanoes act like giant heat vents, lifting magma closer to the Earth’s surface. Some of this molten rock may erupt, but much of it remains underground, heating the surrounding rocks and water. Where heated water rises to the surface, it creates hot springs and geysers that can last thousands of years.
To harness this energy to produce electricity, engineers identify areas where magma is close to the surface and drill deep wells down to the heated rocks and water. These wells bring the steam to the surface, where it is directed to a power plant to spin turbines and generate electricity.
After producing electricity, the steam cools and condenses back into hot water. The water can be used to convert another liquid with a much lower boiling point, such as butane, to drive a second generator. It is then pumped back underground to be reheated, he writes IflScience.
Geothermal Hot Spots of the World
The earth constantly produces heat, so geothermal energy is a renewable resource. In addition, geothermal plants produce far less pollution, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions that warm the Earth’s climate than burning coal, gas, oil, or using nuclear power.
Geothermal energy sources can last decades or even longer. Unlike other renewable sources such as solar and wind energy, geothermal energy is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Geothermal energy is already used in many places around the world, especially in regions with intense volcanic activity. For example, almost all of Iceland’s electricity comes from renewable sources, with geothermal energy providing about 25%. The country sits atop several active volcanoes, making it a perfect place for geothermal power plants.
Some US states, including California and Nevada, have geothermal power plants due to their volcanic regions. Other active geothermal sites, such as Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, are protected from development.
A perfect place for geothermal plants
Why isn’t geothermal energy used as much as wind or solar energy? First, geothermal plants must be located near volcanoes or other places where it is unusually warm below the surface. These resources are not always located near large cities or industries that use a lot of electricity.
Second, drilling deep wells and building power plants can be expensive. However, the long-term benefits of geothermal energy often outweigh the initial costs.
Third, in some cases, drilling and pumping water under pressure can cause small earthquakes. Scientists and engineers are working to predict and manage this effect.
Despite these challenges, harnessing the Earth’s natural heat can create a renewable, reliable and clean source of energy. As technology improves, more and more places in the world will turn to geothermal energy to light up people’s lives. Volcanoes remind us of a great source of underground energy waiting to be tapped.
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Source: www.descopera.ro
