Geothermal EnergyJoanne Smith

UK projections 2000-2030

February 24th 2005

Why and How?

Earths internal heat. Deeper into earth, hotter the env. Geothermal gradient 15℃-50℃ per km. Water surrounding hot rocks gets

heated. High enthalpy >150℃ Low enthalpy <150℃

Advantages

Scarce emissions into atmosphere. Geothermal heat always available. Small operating costs. Higher load factor than other resources. No need for storage facilities at plant.

Disadvantages

Not possible in all places. Undesirable gases given off. Noise problems- electricity generation. Problems of deposition in pipes. Induced seismicity and ground

subsidence.

Geothermal energy UK

Possible sites of deep geothermal aquifers

Water at suitable temp for heating.

Southampton

76℃ at 1800m. District Heating

Scheme. 2MW plant. 30,000MWh/yr heat. 1,200MWh/yr chilled

water. 20 major consumers

inc ASDA.

Future Projections

Taken over 20 years to build 2MW plant. Wearbourne set to be 2MW. Improvements in technology. Estimated Build Rate of 1 20MW plant every

5 years. All thermal energy, no electricity. Load Factor 65%

Future Projections

Year Thermal energy PJ

2000 0.003

2010 0.0063

2020 0.013

2030 0.019

Cost of future Projections

Year Cumulative cost of construction in

£million

2000 1.24

2010 3.72

2020 6.2

2030 8.68