Geothermal Electricity Generation, Challenges, Opportunities and Recommendations

Abstract

Geothermal energy is renewable energy resource found in the earth's surface with potential for several application including geo-exchange, direct thermal application and power generation. After years of use, geothermal energy is now considered a mature technology but only realizes growth of 3-4% per year with global untapped capacity of more than 100GW due to several challenges. As a clean energy, geothermal power generation is renewable and mitigates against carbon emissions and global warming although it has limitations like scarcity of exploitable sites, remote locations often far from load centers and undesirable gaseous emissions. Geothermal development faces challenges of poor funding, technology and long gestation periods for geothermal project of between 5 and 10 years, which is relatively long and is the main cause low rate of development. The global average for binary power plants is 5 MWe, Flash power plant is 30 MWe while dry steam power plants are 45 MWe. Quick project delivery for known geothermal resources will ensure faster growth of geothermal energy. The unit cost varies from plant to plant and location to location. Wellhead technology currently provide a quick access to geothermal electricity ahead of full development of a conventional powerplant. For smooth implementation of geothermal project, social acceptance is required, and this can be achieved by minimizing environmental effect, avoid adverse effect on the people and give direct benefits to local communities. It is through both subsurface and power plant technologies that environmental challenges of geothermal development are address. Research and development into new, efficient and cost-effective technologies will enhance safety and environmental integrity with respect to geothermal energy and electricity development while better.