The energy geothermal, one of the ways of renewable energy, is what takes advantage of the heat beneath the Earth’s surface. This is heated in two ways: from the inside or from the outside. Although there are circumstances where there is a combination of both. Deep within the Earth’s crust is an area called magma. It is the result of the fusion of rocks, due to the extreme heat that emanates from the Earth’s core in certain places on Earth.
This seeps through cracks and crevices and reaches the upper layers, where it literally melts the stone, keeping it at very high temperatures. And convert them into a heat source, which evaporates the water in the upper layers.
In areas where the sun shines continuously and for long periods, this heat is absorbed and accumulates in the lower layers of the Earth’s crust, keeping subsurface temperatures almost consistently high for most of the year. this is the source of the Geothermal energy.
How is it exploited?
There are two types of methods to utilize this energy and therefore there are two installations of it Geothermal energy different. The easiest way is to make direct use of the preheated fluid, drilling pipes that reach the groundwater table, taking advantage of the water vapor that often escapes due to pressure. And it is used to condition environments in homes and offices.
In some cases, pumps are used to extract hot water that is led directly to the supply systems (heating station). Geothermal energy) with the aim of heating environments in colder climates. This type of geothermal supply accounts for about 70% of its use.
heat pump
The other form requires different installations and works like a conventional heat pump, except that the heat source is the heat pump Geothermal energy. Water must be injected which, while passing through a network of underground pipes (their depth depends on the conformation of each place), is heated to the point where it changes state and goes from liquid to gaseous. The resulting water vapor is used to drive turbines to generate electricity or is used as a direct heat source.
This kind of use of Geothermal energy It is more successful in areas with higher underground temperatures. Especially in areas with active volcanoes, geysers or with geologically young soils. These areas tend to have more fault lines and the tectonic plates are shallow. This allows a larger amount of underground heat to rise easily.
For this purpose, geothermal power plants are built, which form large drilling facilities, which collect water vapor. And a wide distribution system for it, which after collection is sent to the places where it will be used. Either for heating or to generate electrical energy.
The first time this type of fountain was used in the world was in Larderello, a small town in the Tuscany region, in the central part of Italy. It was there that water vapor coming from a crack in the earth was used in 1904. And that was done to generate enough electricity to light five light bulbs.
Geothermal energy in the world
The countries that have the greatest capacity for this Geothermal energy of the world are the US, Canada and Russia, but they are not the ones directing the exploitation of said resource. Since only 1% of the electricity generated in these countries through renewable energy sources corresponds to the Geothermal energy.
In Europe, Iceland, Italy, Turkey and France are the leaders in this type of technology. I refer to the case of Iceland, which, as an island of volcanic origin, has natural resources Geothermal energy very close to the surface. Almost all heating in cities is done by passing water vapor through pipes. And forward it to homes and industries. This heating is free for Icelanders.
Geothermal energy in Spain
Although there are suitable areas for building geothermal power plants, as shown in the maps we present below, there are none on the entire national territory, mainly due to economic reasons and the interests of outsiders. What is geothermal energy?
What is being done, but on a much smaller scale than in other countries, is taking advantage of underground heat to occasionally heat certain homes, buildings and industries. By installing pumps that inject water and then collect the steam to distribute it through pipes.
This system is very effective, although land is required to drill the holes. In areas with large buildings, such as in the middle of a large city, this is only possible before the actual construction of a building or house. On the other hand, installing these systems in places with available space is relatively easy.
From a purely economic point of view, experts assure that the depreciation of the investment does not take too much time. And that the Geothermal energy It would be a good source of electricity in some specific parts of the country. But it must also be taken into account that, since geothermal energy is a clean, inexhaustible and sustainable energy source, the health benefit, by not polluting, is not measurable in money, but in quality of life.