Ever wondered what is geothermal energy used for? If yes, then you are at the right place at the very right time. Because in this exclusive article, I am gonna share with you the top 6 examples of geothermal energy in daily life. But, before going ahead, let me give you a short and crisp review about the fact of what is Geothermal Energy anyway…!!!
By definition, geothermal energy is the energy of the earth’s core that we get in the form of heat. Technically speaking, there are practically two ways to use geothermal energy. These are Direct and Indirect uses of geothermal energy. We will talk about it as we move forward in this article.
6 Geothermal Energy Examples in Everyday Life
- Geothermal Energy for Electricity
- Hot Springs
- Green House Farming
- Fish Farming
- Geothermal Heating Systems
- Geothermal Geysers
Geothermal Energy for Electricity
More than 70% of the world’s electricity is produced with the help of non-renewable resources. This is what is drastically hurting our environment. Therefore, in order to protect our environment from further degradation, what we need to do is to switch to renewable sources of energy. Out of all the renewables, geothermal energy is the most efficient as well as an environment-friendly source for electricity generation.
See, in order to produce electricity in any power plant, we need some kind of energy to rotate the blades of a turbine, which will, in turn, start off the electric generator to produce electricity. So, how will we get that “some kind of energy”? In conventional power plants, we burn fossil fuel to generate heat which vaporizes water to produce steam.
Here, steam is referred to as some kind of energy that is used to rotate the blades of the turbine, which will, in turn, starts off the electric generator to produce electricity. On the contrary, a geothermal power plant does not need to burn any fuel to produce heat. WHY? Because geothermal reservoirs naturally provide hot water which automatically provides us with steam that is used to rotate the turbine.
Editor’s Note
Now is the time that I should tell you whether generating electricity via geothermal comes under the category of direct or indirect use of geothermal energy…!!! In a one-liner, it comes under the category of indirect uses of geothermal energy.
See, when we use the energy of the earth to produce different forms of energy such as electricity, we regard it as an indirect use of geothermal energy. I think I have made my point here. Therefore, let’s move ahead.
Editor’s Choice:
Hot Springs
Ever been to hot springs? The basic principle behind the formation of a geothermal hot spring is that when underground water comes in contact with the hot rock, the water gets heated up and finally emerges out of the earth’s crust.
There is an infinite number of hot springs present on the surface of the earth. Just to mention, you can use this hot spring’s water for various purposes. For example, you can use it for washing your clothes or for bathing. In fact, as per Indians, taking a bath in hot springs can cure your skin diseases too.
In other words, taking a dip in a hot spring can naturally detox your skin. However, However, it is also advised not to stay in the hot spring for a longer period. Because it can cause you severe dizziness, or in some cases, it may paralyze you too.
Editor’s Note
So, what do you think? Using Hotspring comes under the category of direct or indirect use of geothermal energy. In a one-liner, it comes under the category of direct uses of geothermal energy.
Since we are using hot water directly to wash clothes or for bathing purposes. Therefore, we regard the use of hot springs as direct use of geothermal energy.
Green House Farming
One of the most economical applications of geothermal energy is in the field of greenhouse farming. Yeah, yeah, the author is just writing whatever is coming to his mind. He does not know anything, just blah blah. Well, I can assure you, this is not the case. I am definitely not bluffing…!!!
Geothermal energy positively contributes to greenhouse farming. Suppose you wanna grow a crop that can only be grown in the summer season. But you wanna grow it during winter. WHY? Because you will get higher returns during winter. So, what will you do? You will do greenhouse farming with the help of geothermal energy.
See, here’s how it works!!! The energy of the earth in the form of steam or heat is fed into greenhouses, which will, in turn, make favorable conditions for the tropical crop that you wanna grow or produce during winters. By doing that, your summer crop will yield exponentially during the winter seasons.
Just to let you know there are so many countries that are already doing greenhouse farming with the help of geothermal energy for decades. For instance, Ireland has been successfully using greenhouse farming for growing potatoes and other veggies for several years.
Editor’s Note
So, what do you think? Using geothermal energy for greenhouse farming comes under the category of direct or indirect use of geothermal energy. Let me know in the comment section.
Fish Farming
Just like geothermal energy can be easily used for greenhouse farming, it can also be used for fish farming. Again, as you already know the working principle will remain the same, only its application will change. There is a large number of fish that can only survive in warm waters. This is where we can easily apply geothermal energy to breed them properly.
In fact, there are so many polar countries where fish farming is done with the help of geothermal energy. Not to mention, as per the available data, more than 2 to 3% of geothermal production is done for fish or aquatic farming.
Geothermal Heating Systems
Yup, you heard me right. You can heat your home using a geothermal heating system. All you need is a large coil, some high-quality duct pipes, and a geothermal heat pump to properly install a heating system in your home. The working principle will remain the same as all the other examples of geothermal energy in daily life.
With the help of large coils, the geothermal heat pump will extract the energy of the earth in the form of heat and transfer it to your home via duct pipes you already installed. Just to let you know one of the biggest advantages of using geothermal heat pumps is that they can work both in summer as well as in winter too.
Confused? Okay, let me tell you how!!! What I mean is this: During winter, geothermal heat pumps transfer the heat of the earth inside your home. Hence, making your home warm. On the other hand, by adding antifreeze solution in the large system of coils, geothermal heat pumps reverse the process during summer.
Meaning, that by reversing the process of geothermal heat pumps, the heat present inside your home will be transferred to the earth. Hence making your home cool and livable during summer. Isn’t that cool? Haan!!! In fact, if we want to, we can heat the whole building or even the whole society or town with geothermal heating systems. Yeah yeah, the initial installation cost will skyrocket. I know that!!!
Editor’s Note
So, what do you think? Using geothermal energy for heating homes comes under the category of direct or indirect use of geothermal energy. I won’t be telling you. Let me know in the comment section.
For Further Reference: heat pump glossary
Geothermal Geysers
Although they are almost similar to the geothermal hot springs. Yet, there are some differences between them too. For example, water in the hot spring flows horizontally. On the other hand, water in the geothermal geysers flows vertically. (See the above image for proper understanding).
Not to mention, the world’s largest geothermal geyser field is located in the Mayacamas Mountains approximately 72 miles (116 km) north of San Francisco, California. In fact, as per the available data, they are responsible for producing more than 20% of California’s renewable energy in 2019.
Editor’s Note
So, what do you think? Geysers come under the category of direct or indirect use of geothermal energy. I will just give you a hint. In the above para, I mentioned, that geysers are responsible for producing more than 20% of California’s renewable energy in 2019.
Some other Examples of Geothermal Energy in Daily Life:
Apart from the above-mentioned applications or uses, I am also mentioning some of a few here.
- You can cook food using geothermal energy
- Food dehydration (drying)
- Milk pasteurizing
- Gold mining
- Geothermal energy for preventing roads from freezing during winters, etc.
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