How does geothermal energy work

Many people ask: How does geothermal energy work?

Volcanic activity has been around as long as we can think, but only few of us really know how the heat of a volcano can actually be used to produce electricity.

Here’s how the geothermal process works. State-of-the-art equipment is used to drill wells deep into volcanic reservoirs—a mile or more—to bring up hot fluid and steam. Once it gets to the surface, the steam is sent to a power plant to drive turbines that generate electricity. No oil or other fossil fuel is used in the operation.

The Puna Geothermal Venture plant has near “zero” emissions because the brine and gases that are left over are injected back into the Earth, well below the water table, through another set of wells called re-injection wells.

The closed-loop circulation system means that no excess gases or fluids reach the open air. This is one of the most advanced methods for producing geothermal energy.

All PGV wells are this type. They meet the most stringent clean air standards, and emit no toxins or greenhouse gases.

Besides generating electricity, geothermal could contribute to the manufacture of other technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells. Earlier experiments also showed that direct heat applications such as drying fruit and lumber, greenhouse propagation and aquaculture projects are possible.

For more information on PGV go to www.punageothermalventure.com

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