The diagram illustrates the process by which electricity is produced in a geothermal power plant using heat extracted from beneath the Earth’s surface.
Overall, the system consists of five distinct yet interconnected stages, beginning with the injection of cold water deep underground and concluding with the generation of electricity. The process operates in a continuous cycle, efficiently transforming geothermal heat into usable electrical energy.
At the outset, cold water is pumped from the surface into an injection well, descending to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometres. At this level, the water enters the geothermal zone, which is composed of hot rocks. As the water circulates through this zone, it absorbs heat and is converted into hot water.
The heated water is then forced upwards through a separate production well back to the surface. Once above ground, it is transferred to a condenser, where it is transformed into steam. This steam is subsequently channelled into a turbine, causing it to rotate rapidly.
In the final stage, the spinning turbine drives a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical power. The electricity produced is then transmitted for distribution, completing the geothermal power generation process.