The purpose of this paper is to explore the topic of Geothermal energy as it relates to growth in the energy sector. This paper will identify what geothermal energy is how it works, the pros and cons of geothermal energy dependency, the expected growth both financial and otherwise of geothermal energy, and how it can positively impact the future of energy consumption and company growth. The goal of this paper is to give the reader a complete understanding of geothermal energy as it relates to environmental business practices and energy efficiency.
Understanding Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is defined as the accessible heat that can be captured from the Earth. Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth and originates from the …show more content…
This newly heated water then rises to the surface. Once forced to the surface, in the form of steam it is captured and used to power electric generators. Geothermal power plants drill holes into the rock crust to more efficiently capture the steam that surfaces. ("How Geothermal Energy Works").
There are currently three central designs for geothermal power plants. All three designs function by pulling hot water and steam from the ground. The water is returned after extraction to preserve the heat source. The most rudimentary of the three designs is ‘dry steam’. The ‘dry steam’ design directs steam directly through a turbine, the steam is then sent into a condenser where the steam is condensed into water. The second method of collection collects scorching water depressurizes it. This term is known as "flashed". The water is then “flashed” into steam which is then be used to propel the turbine. ("How Geothermal Energy