Geothermal Power
Energy experts claim that geothermal energy is the most overlooked energy source of all. It can supply up to 50,000 times the equivalent energy of all oil and gas in the world today. The drawback of geothermal power is the temperature level at which it becomes useful which was originally thought to be at 350 degrees fahrenheit. Anything lower than 230 degrees F is also considered to be too tepid or lukewarm to be of any use in converting water into steam to drive turbines. But a newly-developed technology in Alaska proves that steam turbines work at temperatures as low as 165 degrees F as long as ambient temperature is lower by at least 100 degrees F. This has far-reaching implications since many geothermal sites have temperatures around that range and this new technology can open huge alternative energy opportunities. The new geothermal turbines are still a pilot project but it is slated for expansion in many areas.
Geothermal Plant
The most active and abundant supply of geothermal resources is found along major plate boundaries between continental shelves. This area rims the Pacific Ocean and is called the “Ring of Fire” where earthquakes and volcanoes are most active. Geothermal energy can be extracted only from “geothermal reservoirs” (areas where there is both water and heat). The reservoirs manifest themselves through volcanoes, fumaroles, geysers and hot springs. The U.S. produces more geothermal electricity than any other country, but like wind power, this is only about 1% of its total electricity production. Only four U.S. states generate electricity from geothermal sources. These are California with 33 power plants, Nevada with 15 plants, Utah with 1 plant and Hawaii with 1 plant also. Alaska will soon join this very select group because of new technology that does not require geothermal heat to be at least 350 to 700 degrees F. The site below gives additional discussions on geothermal energy:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/geothermal.html