The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity from geothermal energy using heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. Overall, the process involves four main stages: heat extraction, water injection, steam production, and electricity generation.
Initially, cold water is pumped down through an injection well, which reaches deep underground where hot rocks are located. These rocks, heated naturally by the Earth’s core, transfer heat to the water, raising its temperature significantly. The now-heated water returns to the surface through a production well in the form of steam due to the high underground temperatures.
This high-pressure steam is then directed into a turbine, causing it to spin. The spinning turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Finally, the electricity is transmitted to power lines for distribution to homes and businesses.
In comparison to other renewable sources like wind or solar, geothermal energy offers a constant energy supply, as it is not dependent on weather conditions, making it a reliable source of sustainable power.