How is geothermal energy formed?
Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy that has attracted much attention in recent years. With the global emphasis on climate change and sustainable development, the development and utilization of geothermal energy has become a hot topic. This article will discuss the formation mechanism, distribution characteristics and future development prospects of geothermal energy.
1. The formation mechanism of geothermal energy
The formation of geothermal energy is closely related to the accumulation and release of thermal energy inside the earth. The thermal energy inside the earth mainly comes from the following aspects:
| heat energy source | Description |
|---|---|
| radioactive decay | Radioactive elements (such as uranium, thorium, potassium) inside the earth release heat when they decay, accounting for about 50% of the thermal energy inside the earth. |
| raw heat | The residual thermal energy when the earth was formed accounts for about 20% of the internal thermal energy of the earth. |
| tidal friction | The heat generated by tidal friction caused by the gravity of the moon and the sun accounts for a relatively small proportion. |
This thermal energy is gradually transferred to the surface through conduction and convection of the earth's crust, forming geothermal resources. Geothermal resources are generally divided into the following categories:
| Geothermal resource types | temperature range | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| High temperature geothermal | Above 150°C | generate electricity |
| Medium temperature geothermal | 90°C - 150°C | Power generation and heating |
| Low temperature geothermal | below 90°C | Heating, greenhouse cultivation |
2. Distribution of global geothermal resources
The distribution of geothermal resources is closely related to geological structures and is mainly concentrated at plate boundaries and areas with frequent volcanic activity. The following are the main geothermal resource distribution areas in the world:
| area | major countries | Geothermal resource characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Rim | United States, Japan, Philippines, New Zealand | High-temperature geothermal resources are abundant and suitable for power generation |
| Great Rift Valley | Kenya, Ethiopia | Geothermal potential is huge and is being developed rapidly |
| Mediterranean-Himalayan belt | Italy, Türkiye, Tibet, China | Medium and low temperature geothermal resources are abundant and suitable for heating |
China's geothermal resources are mainly distributed in Tibet, Yunnan, Taiwan and other places. Among them, the Yangbajing Geothermal Field in Tibet is the largest high-temperature geothermal field in China.
3. Utilization and development prospects of geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is used in various ways, including power generation, heating and agricultural utilization. Here are the main ways geothermal energy is used and their benefits:
| Utilization method | Advantages | challenge |
|---|---|---|
| generate electricity | Clean, stable and renewable | Initial investment is high and site selection is limited |
| heating | Energy saving, environmental protection, low operating cost | Pipeline construction costs are high |
| agricultural use | Improve greenhouse planting efficiency | Large geographical restrictions |
With the advancement of technology, the development cost of geothermal energy is gradually reduced, and it is expected to occupy a more important position in the global energy structure in the future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2050, geothermal power generation will more than triple its current level.
4. Conclusion
As a clean and sustainable energy, geothermal energy is closely related to the accumulation of thermal energy inside the earth. Geothermal resources are unevenly distributed around the world, but their development potential is huge. With technological advancement and policy support, geothermal energy will play an increasingly important role in the future energy system.
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