After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

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.

Advantages

Advantages

  • Renewable.
  • Reliable.
Disadvantages

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.
United Downs Deep Geothermal Project

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
1

Forces & Motion

1.1

Basics of Motion

1.2

Forces

1.3

Effects of Forces

1.4

Stopping Distance

1.5

Forces & Elasticity

2

Electricity

3

Waves

4

Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5

Solids, Liquids & Gases

6

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7

Radioactivity & Particles

8

Astrophysics

Practice questions on Geothermal Energy

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Answer all questions on Geothermal Energy

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium