FAQs:

• Q: How is geothermal energy produced?
  • Geothermal Energy is produced from the heat within the earth. This heat is continuously being produced within the earth and stored in rocks. When cold water comes into contact with these hot rocks geothermal reservoirs are formed which when drilled into and brought to the surface can be used to produce electricity, heat buildings, greenhouses, and for other purposes.
• Q: How does geothermal energy work?
  • Geothermal fluid [steam and water under high pressure] from the various wells is channeled to a central Geothermal Power Plant. The geothermal steam turns the turbine to produce electricity. Cooled steam [water] is re-injected into re-injection wells to maintain the system. The energy keeps on coming, as long as we don’t pump too much cold water down and cool the rocks too much, or withdraw too much or too quickly to exceed recharge.

• Q: Why Geothermal Energy?
  • Geothermal Energy is environmentally friendly. It is a renewable source of energy – Renewable Energy is defined as energy that is derived from natural processes that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed. The reservoirs are naturally replenished, excellent for meeting the base load energy demand. It is a stable resource and is not subject to fluctuations.
  • Direct uses: Geothermal energy can be used in several other ways: in fish farming, health spas, milk pasteurization, laundry, and greenhouse farming among others.
  • Harnessing geothermal energy does not involve any fuels, which means less cost fluctuations and stable electricity prices.
  • It has a small footprint on land.
  • Recent technological advancements have made more resources exploitable and lowered costs.