1.3.3

Geothermal Energy

Test yourself

Geothermal Energy

In volcanic places, magma (underground lava) has lots of internal energy. The magma heats rocks, which heat water in pipes so it boils to produce steam. This steam rotates a turbine, which turns a generator.

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Advantages

  • Renewable.
  • Reliable.
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Disadvantages

  • It is most efficient in areas with volcanic activity close to the surface.
  • However, it is possible to create geothermal power plants in areas with no volcanic activity by fracturing hot rocks such as granite.
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United Downs Deep Geothermal Project

  • The United Downs project is located near Redruth in Cornwall.
  • It is the UK’s first deep geothermal power plant.
  • Engineers drill deep wells into hot granite rocks.
  • Water is pumped down into the rocks, where it absorbs heat from the Earth’s natural geothermal energy.
  • The heated water or steam is then brought back to the surface.
  • The steam turns turbines, which generate electricity. The leftover hot water can also be used to heat homes and buildings nearby.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

6.1Wave Basics

6.2Waves at a Boundary

6.3Sound Waves

6.4Electromagnetic Waves

6.5Lenses

6.6Heat & Radiation

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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