A Reliable and Renewable Resource
Harnessing the Earth’s Natural Heat
As the world seeks sustainable energy alternatives, geothermal energy is gaining recognition for its immense potential and unique characteristics. Unlike more visible renewable sources like solar panels and wind turbines, geothermal energy operates discreetly, yet it offers a highly reliable and efficient way to generate 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 originates from the natural heat stored beneath the Earth’s crust. This renewable resource is tapped for both direct heating and power generation, offering a stable alternative to intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. One of its key advantages is its predictability—while solar and wind depend on weather conditions, geothermal energy provides a continuous and steady output. Additionally, it requires significantly less land than wind or solar farms, making it a space-efficient solution for sustainable power.
“One of the most extraordinary facts, when talking about geothermal energy, is its constancy over time, that is, the possibility of using it at any time, which clearly differentiates it from other forms of renewable energy, which are instead strictly dependent on atmospheric conditions and the time of day. Another interesting aspect is linked to its possible applications: we are not just talking about a renewable energy source for the production of electricity, but a new, innovative, and potentially unlimited source of heat”, according to TELF AG.
How Geothermal Energy Works
The Earth’s interior naturally produces heat due to the decay of radioactive elements and residual heat from the planet’s formation. This heat rises to the surface in areas with volcanic activity, geysers, and hot springs. The deeper one goes underground, the hotter it gets—temperature increases by approximately 3°C for every 100 meters of depth. Groundwater that comes into contact with hot rocks is heated and rises to the surface as steam or hot water, which can then be used to generate energy.
To harness this energy effectively, geothermal power plants are built in locations with high underground heat activity. These plants generally fall into three categories. The first type, known as dry steam plants, extracts steam directly from underground reservoirs. This steam is then used to turn a turbine, which in turn generates electricity. The second type, flash steam plants, relies on high-pressure hot water drawn from beneath the surface. When brought to the surface, the sudden pressure drop causes the water to rapidly turn into steam, which then drives a turbine to produce electricity. The third type, binary cycle plants, operates differently by using a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point than water. The underground heat transfers to this fluid, causing it to vaporize and drive a turbine, making it a particularly efficient method of energy conversion. Regardless of the type, the process follows a similar cycle: steam or heated fluid is used to spin a turbine, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy via an alternator. Afterward, the cooled water is reinjected into the Earth to maintain the reservoir’s sustainability.
“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.
A Clean and Continuous Energy Source
Geothermal energy offers significant advantages in the transition to a cleaner energy future. Advancements in drilling and reservoir management technologies are expanding its accessibility, allowing regions without natural geysers or volcanic activity to explore its benefits.
As energy demand rises and the world looks for sustainable solutions, geothermal energy stands out as a viable, long-term resource. With its reliability, low environmental impact, and potential for continuous energy production, it plays a key role in the future of renewable power.
