Geothermal energy: Exploration, Exploitation, and Production

Abstract

AbstractNowadays, it has become very difficult to balance the demand and supply chain based on the present consumption rate of energy. Therefore, an alternative energy source is needed to maintain the demand and supply order. Since it is well known that the earth is releasing heat from its formation, geothermal energy might be proved a better alternative source in the future. Heat is continuously emerging from the earth at some locations either from its composing minerals (which are present in the liquid phase in mantle and core) or by the decay of radioactive minerals (potassium, thorium, and uranium). Geothermal energy is a reliable, sustainable, and renewable type of energy source. It is also an eco-friendly resource or green energy source because there is no emission of any harmful gas, and also, at many of the sites after extracting the heat from the source, the waste is dumped again into the subsurface.In this chapter, the exploration of these geothermal resources using different types of geophysical methods is discussed. The selection of a geophysical method depends on the geological condition, surrounding environment, chemical nature of fluids, and also the budget limit. The exploitation of geothermal energy is a little bit more expensive than other conventional and renewable sources, but only at the beginning stage. After the installation of a power plant, there is no requirement of any other expense or attention for a long duration of time (mostly up to a decade). Based on the type of geothermal reservoir, the power plant is built.The usage of geothermal energy is going on since ancient times. Earlier, people used this energy for spas, cooking, bathing, farming, and space heating. Nowadays by using modern technology, this geothermal energy is used for the production of electricity. Today, about 26 countries are using geothermal energy for the production of electricity. The USA is producing much more electricity than any other country in the world. The produced electricity is sent to the domestic areas for usage in residential houses. India is also planning to make a power plant to utilize geothermal energy for the production of electricity. Most probably, the Tattapani, in Madhya Pradesh, India, will be the first site where the power plant will be built. There are still some investigations going on by some organizations (ONGC, GSI, NGRI Hyderabad, IIT Mumbai, and some others) in several areas.It is estimated that by 2050, geothermal energy will give about 3–5% of its share in the world’s energy consumption, and economically, it will increase up to 10% by the 2100 s.KeywordsHot springGeoThermeGeothermal reservoirHydrothermalRenewable energy