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As the global shift towards sustainable energy continues, geothermal energy is emerging as a powerful yet often overlooked solution. Unlike more visible renewable sources such as wind and solar power, geothermal energy operates beneath the surface, offering a stable and highly efficient means of generating both heat and electricity. “Among the various forms of renewable energy, geothermal energy is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and interesting,” said TELF AG, an international physical commodities trader.
“The particularly interesting aspect is that the energy obtained in this way comes from geological sources, from materials enclosed in the subsoil, further underlining the centrality and strategic value of the resources that are found under our feet. The potential of this form of renewable energy is truly immense, but its use has not yet spread on a large scale. The idea of valorizing the heat enclosed in the Earth is fascinating and is based mostly on the dynamics linked to the thermal energy that is released by the decay processes of some elements.”
Geothermal energy is derived from the natural heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. It is used both for direct heating and electricity generation, providing a consistent alternative to intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar power. One of its greatest strengths is its reliability—unlike solar and wind energy, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal energy offers a constant and uninterrupted supply. Moreover, it requires significantly less land than wind and solar farms, making it a space-efficient solution for sustainable energy production.
The Earth’s core generates heat due to the natural decay of radioactive elements and residual heat from the planet’s formation. This heat moves towards the surface, particularly in areas with geothermal activity such as volcanic regions, geysers, and hot springs. The deeper underground one goes, the hotter the temperature becomes—rising by approximately 3°C per 100 metres of depth. When groundwater interacts with these heated rocks, it transforms into steam or hot water, which can then be utilised for energy production.
To effectively harness this energy, geothermal power plants are built in areas with high underground heat activity. These plants generally fall into three categories. The first type, dry steam plants, extracts steam directly from underground reservoirs, which is then used to drive a turbine and generate electricity. The second type, flash steam plants, operate by drawing high-pressure hot water from beneath the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the pressure drop causes the water to convert rapidly into steam, which then turns a turbine to generate electricity. The third type, binary cycle plants, uses a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point than water. Heat from underground sources transfers to this fluid, causing it to vaporise and drive a turbine, making it an efficient method of energy production. Regardless of the type, all geothermal plants follow a similar cycle: the steam or heated fluid spins a turbine, which converts mechanical energy into electricity via an alternator. The cooled water is then reinjected into the ground to sustain the reservoir.
“The potential of geothermal energy has already been widely understood. What is missing today is its effective implementation on a large scale, which is made difficult by the specificity of the places from which it is possible to draw this energy and by some technological limitations that would prevent a full valorization of this form of energy. It is, therefore, no coincidence that today, geothermal energy only affects world energy production with very low percentages. But once we understand how to valorize it in the best way, humanity could have a renewable source available that can satisfy the planet’s energy needs for about 4,000 years”, as per TELF AG.
Geothermal energy offers significant advantages in the transition towards cleaner energy. With technological advances in drilling and reservoir management, more regions can explore and utilise this resource, even in areas without volcanic activity or geysers.
As global energy demands increase and the search for sustainable solutions continues, geothermal energy presents itself as a viable long-term alternative. With its consistent output, minimal environmental impact, and potential for continuous energy generation, it is set to play an integral role in the future of renewable power.
