Geothermal Energy Resources, Technologies, and Applications in the UK

This research focuses on the potential of geothermal energy in the UK, including its resources, technologies, and applications. It discusses the background of the study, research questions, and the structure of the research. The study highlights the benefits of geothermal energy for the environment and explores the future prospects of geothermal energy in the UK.

Declaration
Acknowledgement

Abstract
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List of figures
1. Inside the earth
2. Earth temperature
3. Geothermal Resources
4. World map showing the lithospheric plate boundaries, dots= active volcanoes
5. Hotpots in the world
6. GHP in the heating cycle
7. Open Loop Groundwater Heat pump Doublete
8. Geothermal energy heating and cooling
9. Geothermal energy data
10. Map of Global Goethermal Energy Power Plant (Think Geothermal energy, 2018).
11. Geothermal energy production
12. Importance of the right terminology
13. Geothermal Resources and Technologies
14. Energy Cost
15. Applications of geothermal energy
List of tables
1. Types of resources/Temperature range
2. 2004 product in the world renewable energy supply
3. Integrated data for expected world geothermal potential and actual production
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1...........................................................................................................................6
Introduction.......................................................................................................................6
1.1 Background of the study...............................................................................................6
1.2 Research Question........................................................................................................7
Figure 1. inside the earth (Utah Geological survey)............................................................7
Figure 1.2 Earth’s temperature (Jason M, 2009)................................................................8
1.3Structure of the research...............................................................................................8
[Old Oak common, TfL, 2019] Figure 1.3..........................................................................9
1.4Geothermal history......................................................................................................10
1.5 Research Hypothesis...................................................................................................10
1.6The aims and objectives...............................................................................................10
Chapter 2.........................................................................................................................11
Literature Review.............................................................................................................11
2.1 Geothermal energy exploitations.................................................................................11
2.1.2 Table 1. Types of resources......................................................................................11
Table 1. Geothermal resources (Source: White and Williams, 1975).................................11
Figure 2. Geothermal Resources (Source: US department energy)...................................12
2.1.3 Geothermal system...................................................................................................12
Figure 3. World map showing the lithospheric plate boundaries, dots= active volcanoes
(Source: Geological survey).............................................................................................13
2.2.4 Geothermal Hotspot on Earth..................................................................................14
Figure 4. Hotpots in the world (IPPCC, 2007)..................................................................14
2.2 Technical potential.....................................................................................................14
Figure 5. GHP in the heating cycle (Source: Oklahoma state university).........................15
2.3 Technologies and Maintenance..................................................................................15
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Figure 6. Geothermal energy heating and cooling (Bertani, 2006)...................................16
Figure 7. Open loop Groundwater Heat Pump Doublete (Omer, 2006..............................17
Table 2. 2004 product in the world renewable energy supply............................................18
Figure 8. Geothermal energy data....................................................................................19
2.3.1 Efficiency of geothermal energy..............................................................................19
2.4 Importance of geothermal energy...............................................................................19
Figure 9. importance of the right terminology..................................................................19
2.4.1 Geothermal Energy resources and technologies.......................................................20
Figure 10. Map of Global Geothermal Energy Power Plant (Think Geothermal energy,
2018)................................................................................................................................21
2.4.2 Geothermal energy surface Manifestation resources................................................21
Figure 11. Geothermal energy production........................................................................22
2.4.3 Geothermal Power Plant..........................................................................................22
2.4.4 types of geothermal power plants.............................................................................22
2.4.5 Energy Resource......................................................................................................22
2.4.6 Turbine....................................................................................................................22
2.4.6 Magma....................................................................................................................22
2.4.7 Geothermal Water....................................................................................................22
2.4.8 Steam.......................................................................................................................23
Figure 12. Geothermal resources and technologies..........................................................23
2.4.8 comparison of geothermal energy and renewable energy.........................................23
2.5 Sustainable and environmental...................................................................................23
2.5.1 Sustainable/ stable...................................................................................................24
2.5.2 Geothermal energy in today’s life............................................................................24
2.6 Economics of Geothermal energy...............................................................................24
Figure 13. energy cost......................................................................................................25
2.6.1 Advantages..............................................................................................................25
2.6.2 pollution Free..........................................................................................................25
2.6.3 Economic Benefits...................................................................................................25
2.6.4 Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy......................................................................26
2.6.5 Transportation.........................................................................................................26
2.6.6 Possibility of running out of steam...........................................................................26
2.6.7 Toxic Gases.............................................................................................................26
2.7. Geothermal Energy Application.................................................................................26
Figure 14 Application of Geothermal energy(Namarata B, 2015).....................................27
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2.7.1 Direct Heating.........................................................................................................27
2.7.2 Electricity Generations............................................................................................28
2.7.3 Heat pumps and Space heating................................................................................28
2.7.4 Greenhouse Heating................................................................................................29
2.7.5 Agriculture and Aquaculture use.............................................................................29
Chapter 3 Methodology....................................................................................................30
3.1 Research Hypothesis...................................................................................................31
Table 1. Types of resources...............................................................................................32
Figure 8. Geothermal energy data....................................................................................32
3.2 Data collection............................................................................................................32
3.3 Types of questions – format used................................................................................33
Chapter 4 Case Studies (Results)..............................................................................34
Chapter 5 Discussions................................................................................................35
Chapter 6 Conclusion..................................................................................................35
Appendix.......................................................................................................................35
References....................................................................................................................36
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Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
The United Kingdom has set some targets in order to harness the geothermal energy recourses. The
aim of the department energy and climate is to support projects of exploitering the geothermal energy
resources. The department of energy and climate are funding for the projects up to 2 million pounds.
Lastly, some companies have been employed geotechnical engineers to carry out feasibility studies.
Heat and power systems can be considered as well during the work process (Regions generating mix,
2013).
The potentials of geothermal energy are huge, and it can heat millions of homes within the United
Kingdom (ASTM, 2005). The researchers believe that the source of energy is not enough for a long-
term use. Next, the world will be requiring up to 60% or more energy by 2030. There are potentials
for the renewable energy to balance every demand. Untouched resources can be found and there are
potentials to meet the current demand of the United kingdom’s energy up to 20% (ASTM, 2005).
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In addition, at the moment there are no deep geothermal plants in the United Kingdom. some sites like
the Redruth have the potential of supplying over 10 megawatts of electricity power and also 550
megawatts of heat energy as well for the whole area. During the whole year the energy is produced, it
is useful energy for the community, and it is produced by 25 wind turbines in the United Kingdom
(Arbor, 1919). The wind turbines create electricity power energy for the country, and it would benefit
for long term use.
Because of the issue of draining demonstrated hold of fossil-based vitality energizes particularly oil
and gas, under 60 years is the assessed remaining time of world non-renewable energy sources
extraction if there are not any more gigantic effective finding of oil and gas demonstrated save sooner
rather than later (Knoema, 2017).
1.2 Research Question
The goal of this research is gain knowledge regarding the potential of the geothermal energy in the
UK.
1. What is the status of the geothermal energy resources, technologies, and applications in the
UK?
2. How can geothermal energy resources benefit the environment?
3. How do you see the future of geothermal energy in the UK?
The United Kingdom has a few low to medium heat resources and geothermal energy being exploited
in United Kingdom, it is very useful for the coming up future. The ground source heat pump energy is
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mainly used for heating up and cooling homes and all different types of buildings in the area. The
surface of the ground is heated from the sun and it stores up the heat energy from the ground. The
geothermal energy can be used for heating and also for generating electricity (Utah Geological survey,
2005). The upper 10 to 15 centimetres of the ground surface is heated by solar radiation.
Figure 1. inside the earth (Utah Geological survey).
When the depth of the ground goes deeper then, the ground temperature does not get affected by the
sun at all but therefore it warms up the heat from the earth’s core. There are not any volcanos which
not known to be active at all. There are many geological features which has the potentials for
exploiting geothermal energy in the United Kingdom (Jason M, 2009). The aim of the United
Kingdom would be to generate heat and electricity if there are geothermal energy projects planned in
the United Kingdom for exploitation. There are geothermal heat pumps that use constant temperatures
from the earth in order to provide heating, cooling and also warm water for homes and for commercial
buildings.
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Figure 1.2 Earth’s temperature (Jason M, 2009).
There are many advantages of exploiting geothermal energy recourses because it more
environmentally friendly. There are huge potentials of exploiting geothermal energy and renewable
energy is always being used in the United Kingdom. it will be sustainable and stable as well once the
work process on the project will start (Jason M, 2009). It will benefit the United Kingdom for a long
term and no fuel will be required at all. Durability is a huge advantage for the geothermal energy
resource because it is shared by all geothermal energy technologies.
1.3Structure of the research
You can also find several regions in the United Kingdom where there are rocks at depth warmer than
what is expected. It mostly occurs in granitic areas because certain granite generates internal heat
energy through the radioactive cay of the naturally elements and those elements are potassium,
uranium and thorium. The geothermal drilling process is not visible, and it is a clean energy source
(GEA, 2004).
The geotechnical engineers often aim to fracture a system where water can be made to flow from one
borehole to another through the granite. The granites only have a tiny bit of water flow and this is not
enough. Some parts in the United Kingdom like the area of Cornwall has geothermal gradients and
they are much higher than the United Kingdom average. The presence of the granite has the potential
for the geothermal energy generation. The aim is to exploit the geothermal potential of the rocks with
poor natural permeability and this may involve enhancing as well.
There is potential for geothermal energy in the United Kingdom and it has been underexploited. Other
renewable energy resources have taken the lead so far in the United Kingdom (J.w. teater 1997). A
plan has been made by the geotechnical engineers to add geothermal energy with other types of
energy mixes and there are advantages and disadvantages of mixing and adding geothermal energy to
it. The project of exploiting geothermal energy will involve a cost and also technologies which, will
help to exploit the resources from the ground. The overall cost of geothermal energy is low and good
for the long-term run.
The old Oak common will support the new Tfl Rail services from Paddington station to Heathrow
airport. More than thirty percent of the Tfls new maintenance of facility will be powered by solar
panels on the roof tops and this renewable energy system is brining excellent results for the friendly
environment (Tfl Department, 2019). It is also very sustainable, and the hybrid renewable energy
system integrates ground source heating and cooling as well, it is a combination of energy piles and at
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least 150 metres deep bore holes. There were three different types of geothermal energy technologies
used, those technologies will help to control the temperature of the main depot building. (Tfl
Department, 2019).
[Old Oak common, TfL, 2019] Figure 1.3
1.4Geothermal history
Back in the ancient times, mainly the romans, Chinese and also other people in the world used hot
spring water for cocking, bathing and heating. Nowadays, it is used for heating up buildings, houses
and agricultures and industrial.
In the year of 1904, the world’s first electric generator was built by Italy. This generator was powered
up by natural steam and it came from the ground of the earth (Burgassi PD, 1999).
In the year of 1922, the United states of America has done their first attempt in order develop a
geothermal energy power plant at the geysers steam field and this attempt was done in the state of
California. Unfortunately, they failed with the attempt because of the pipes and turbines did not match
and the Results didn’t come out well.
Wellspring of the geothermal vitality is separated warmth, this warmth is transmitting from the focal
point of the earth since 4.5 billion years back, with more than 6.400 KM profound and researchers
anticipated that around 42 millions of megawatts (MW) of vitality spilling out of the inside into
surface of the earth with fundamentally by conduction (GEA, 2014). Moreover, the geothermal
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vitality source typically extended and situated from the shallow supply into ultra-profound of
thousands KM in the earth subsurface (Strober and butcher, 2016).
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1. The introduction of new technologies in the UK for the development of geothermal energy
resources will constitute a benefit for the environment in the region.
2. Geothermal energy development in the UK will have a low impact on the water environment, since
water can be extracted and re-incorporated again in a cyclical modality.
3. Geothermal energy can be classified.
1.6The aims and objectives
The aim of this project is to research and study about the potentials of the geothermal energy
exploitation in the UK. However, the aim is also to find out about the advantages and disadvantages
of the geothermal energy exploitation within the United Kingdom. the benefits of exploring
geothermal energy will be explained in detail. In addition, research regarding the geology of Great
Britain will be explained in details and examples will be provided as well. The aim of the research is
to investigate the purpose of the geothermal energy exploitation. The geothermal energy has been
explored in the United Kingdom since ancient times. Geothermal energy is being used for providing
heat energy. All types of geothermal resources will be explained on as well and how they work, and
how they would benefit the world.
Chapter 2
Literature Review
2.1 Geothermal energy exploitations
The geothermal energy resources are very important to over 80 countries in the world. At least in 70
countries, they make direct use of this energy. In 24 countries around the world, the electricity is
produced from geothermal energy power. In addition, there are 5 countries in the world which, get 10
percent to 20 percent of electricity from the geothermal energy sources (Cataldi R, 1999). The United
states of America produces the most geothermal energy in the world, and this makes them the largest
producer and the leading country.
People have used geothermal energy for geotechnical engineering many centuries ago. The
archaeologist evidence has shown us that over 10,000 years ago, certain groups of native Americans
have gathered around naturally and occurred hot springs to recuperate the refuge from any form of
conflicts (Burgassi PD, 1999). The first geothermal district heating systems was opened in 1892 in
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Boise, Idaho which is a state and a city in the United states of America. Till today the system still
provides heat energy to over 450 homes.
2.1.2 Table 1. Types of resources
Table 1. Geothermal resources (Source: White and Williams, 1975)
The table above shows that there are different types of resources which can be exploited from the
ground. The convective hydrothermal resources can be discovered from the earths heat and it
produces hot water and steam as well. The temperatures of the convective hydrothermal resources can
go as high as 500 to 100 Celsius (Tester JW, 2006). The vapour dominated systems produce a lot of
steam from boiling the water in low permeability rocks. The geysers are being used to produce
electricity in countries like japan and America. There are important recourses mention in the table
above, the hot dry rocks resources can be defined as heat stored rocks from the surface of the earth
(Lund JW, 2003). One of the major resource types is water dominated systems, and it is based on the
ground water circulation at depth.
There are geothermal systems which are exploitable, and they are mostly found in geological areas.
Those geothermal systems are divided into two groups. The main target goal is to find out if both of
the groups are involved with young active volcanoes and with the magmatic activities. Most of the
times, the geothermal fields are utilised for the direct application of the geothermal energy (Lund JW,
2003).
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Figure 2. Geothermal Resources (Source: US department energy)
2.1.3 Geothermal system
under the earth’s crust, there are layers placed of hot and molten rocks and they are called magma and
you can see in figure 4. The keeps producing continually in this layer and mostly from the decay of
natural radioactive materials such as uranium and potassium (Kalschnitt M, 2000). There is a huge
amount of heat below the ground and within 10,000 meters which is about 33,000 feet of the earth’s
surface, it contains 50,000 more times energy than all the petroleum oil and natural gas resource in the
world (Kalschnitt M. 2000).
The areas with the highest temperatures are mostly in the regions where there are volcanoes around
which are active or geological young volcanos (Bertani R, 2010). Those hot spots with such a high
temperature occur at tectonic plate boundaries or at any areas where the crust is relatively thing
enough and which lets the heat go through.
These areas are also seismically active. The earthquakes and magma movements break up all the rock
from covering and then it allows the water to circulate properly. Once the water rises then the surface
and natural springs and also the geysers occur. Seismically active hotspots are not the only areas
where the geothermal energy is found. If the full economic potential of geothermal resources can be
recognised, then the geothermal energy resources would be the leading source for the electricity
production capacity in the world (Dickson MH, Fanelli M 2003).
The geothermal energy has taken off any other renewables. Centuries ago after the humans started
using earths hot water and steam to produce power and electricity, the geothermal energy provides
less than 1% of the global electricity. Still the humans are scratching the surface (Stefansson V, 2005).
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Although, low temperatures of geothermal energy are also very important because they are used for
heating up houses and other types of buildings. It is much more efficient if the low temperature is
used for heating and to generate electricity as well. In such countries like New Zealand they mainly
use dry heat in order to dry up the timbers and feedstock (Rybach L 2010).
Figure 3. World map showing the lithospheric plate boundaries, dots= active volcanoes (Source:
Geological survey)
The high temperatures fields are the fields where volcanic activity usually take place on the earth and
mainly along the plate boundaries as you can see on the map above. Majority of the plate boundaries
are placed below the sea level. Some volcanoes are very active under the sea and high temperatures
are scattered along the boundaries of the plates (IPPCC, 2007).
2.2.4 Geothermal Hotspot on Earth
Figure 4. Hotpots in the world (IPPCC, 2007).
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On the earth, you can find some places where there are places leak of molten lava. Those areas are the
hotspots on the earth because they are the hottest and those hotspots are very rare and can be drilled
easily in order to exploit more resources. In addition, these hotspots on earth are the easy access to the
geothermal energy. In such countries like Iceland and Hawaii, these countries are ones where lots of
volcanic activities takes place (IPPCC, 2007).
2.2 Technical potential
There are many advantages of geothermal energy use and that is heating, and power generation
systems are available 24 hours per day and for 365 days a year and they will only be shut temporarily
for maintenance. The capacity of the power generation succeeds up to 95% (Bertani R, 2002). The
heat pump systems operate the capacities around 10 to 20 percent in the heating energy mode and it
doubles with the cooling mode which is also included.
Figure 5. GHP in the heating cycle (Source: Oklahoma state university)
Majority of the countries that use geothermal energy resources, they use it all the time and 24 for
countries use it for electricity generation. The energy alone which is produced from the ground source
is called heat pumps and it has increased 20% per annum over the years of period (Bloomfield KK,
2003).
The electric power is produced from the geothermal energy in roughly over 27 countries but, Greece,
Taiwan and Argentina have removed and shut down their energy plants because of economics reasons
and it caused disruption.
2.3 Technologies and Maintenance
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There are advanced technologies for exploiting geothermal energy and those technologies may be
developed in some areas in order to provide more heat and electrical energy. The aim in the future is
to develop hot dry rock and EGS technology with better drilling techniques and better prospecting
techniques (Garchar et al.., 2016). There is also a scope for exploiting geothermal energy resources
from under the sea and this would be major task and there are huge potentials for it. Those geothermal
resources under the ground contain very high temperatures and high-pressure brine where the water
has a temperature of more than 375 Celsius and a pressure of 220 bare (Hirirart G, 2010). Next, there
are at least 5 different phases when it comes to exploring the thermal potentials for example;
geochemistry, drilling, remote sensing and geology/stress analysis and modelling as well. As you
know that majority of the exploration activities of searching the potential of geothermal energy are
taking place on the geology and geophysics (GnG) activities (Garcher et al., 2016).
Nowadays the geothermal energy use is growing rapidly as science and technologies collaborate
together in order to find better and more efficient ways of using renewable energy source. Now we
know that the very first ever geothermal plant was built in larderllo, Italy in 1911 (Burgassi PD,
1999). The world has learned how to improve the utilization and how to use the renewable source of
clean energy. Those geothermal plants have changed the world dramatically and benefit majority of
the countries that rely on geothermal recourses. The source of geothermal energy is not only clean but
also sustainable and eco-friendly as well for the environment. The geothermal energy is a respected
status in the world and especially in the United Kingdom (Burgassi PD, 1999).
Figure 6. Geothermal energy heating and cooling (Bertani, 2006)
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The target goal is to obtain as much energy as it is need it. In order to obtain enough energy then it has
to be generated electricity, and geothermal energy power plants mainly rely on the heat which can
naturally come from under the ground (Bertani, 2006). But majority of the areas need to be enhanced
with injected water in order to create proper steam (Munoz et al. 2014).
In many regions in the world, they see many potentials in exploiting geothermal energy because it is
affordable and sustainable as well at the same time for the environment. The aim of most countries is
to avoid fossil fuels and in this day in age, the global warming is becoming a huge issue and public
health are at risk due to the use of fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels can be very harmful to the
environment and burning fossil fuels it releases carbon dioxide. In 2013, there was more than 11,700
megawatts (MW) produced from the geothermal capacity operation (Garwell K, 2007). The ground
source heat pumps (GSHP) is also known as an eco-friendly technology which can help to reduce
carbon emissions 66% cleaner and when you compare it with the normal thermal systems, it has fossil
fuels sourced all over (Omer, 2006).
The sub-surface temperature is usually warmer during the winter times and it is also colder in the
summer because the heat comes from the ground and it can be used for the winter months
(Johannsson et al, 2014). However, it can also transfer the thermal from the building once it is
summertime and the geothermal heat pumps does not do any special geological conditions such as hot
springs can be applied in daily use (Omer, 2006).
Figure 7. Open loop Groundwater Heat Pump Doublete (Omer, 2006).
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The open loop systems are fundamentally used in groundwater or the surface water as the warm trade
media. The frameworks are made out of extraction wells, reinjection wells are incorporated and
furthermore a perhaps of surface water systems (Omer, 2006). Next, the water quality and the
accessibility of the water are the two vital variables and when the nature of water can include some
consumption, fouling and furthermore hindering the funnel while the base 1.5 to 30 gallon of water
for each moment ought to be siphoned consistently between the warmth exchanger and refrigerant
(Omer, 2006).
Table 2. 2004 product in the world renewable energy supply
In this table above, you are able to see the expanded details regarding renewable energy. In addition,
those geothermal energy farcicalities have provided more than 68 billion kilowatthours of electricity
and this was enough to meet the annual needs of more than 6 million households in the united states.
Geothermal implants are being used in countries like El Salvador and in Iceland as well (Garwell K,
2007). In those 2 countries, the geothermal energy plants account for more than 25% of the electricity
which is being produced through the geothermal energy plant.
In 8 states of America, more than 3,300 megawatts of geothermal energy are produced, and this
makes the united states the leader in installed geothermal energy capacity. The state of America in
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California has got 80% of the geothermal capacity. There are 40 geothermal plants provided in
California and it nearly provides 7% of the united states electricity and also heat energy. In many
houses across the united states and commercial buildings, geothermal heat pumps are in use in order
to heat and cool the homes and the commercial buildings as well. There newer technologies which
have allowed co-produced geothermal energy facilities to be portable (Lund JW, 2005).
Figure 8. Geothermal energy data
On the data above, you can see how geothermal energy is progressing and increasing with generating
electricity and heat energy in the world. The renewable source covers the demands of electricity and
heat energy in such countries like Iceland, El Salvador, New Zealand, Kenya and the Philippines with
more than 90% of heating demands in Iceland (Bertani R, 2010).
2.3.1 Efficiency of geothermal energy
The efficiency is 50% to 70% higher than the average standard of the heating systems, and 20% to
40% higher than the usual cooling systems. However, it is known that high efficiency has got very
low utility bills.
2.4 Importance of geothermal energy
The geothermal energy is very important for the environment and it is a very clean source. The
geothermal energy resource is a benign energy source when you compare it with other energy sources
because it has reduced the greenhouse gas emissions and it is used for electricity generation as well
and also in direct utilisation (Beardmore GR, 2001). A few countries like Turkey has got a place
amongst the 7 countries in the world which, use the geothermal energy resources a lot but it has only
used 4 percent of its potential. An estimation is made about the use of geothermal energy heating
potential alone in turkey, up to 5 million residences would be heated and this would end up releasing
48 million ton/year CO2 emissions into the atmosphere will be prevented and avoided from pollution.
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Figure 9. importance of the right terminology
It is very important clearly differentiate the power and heat energy (Alexander Richter, 2020). The
right terminology has to be used in order to help others by providing the geothermal energy resources
to the global energy transition. The world is facing a climate change and each renewable energy
technology will play a major role in the world. All the renewable energies will impact the world by
making it more sustainable (IPPCC, 2007).
In the 20th century, the geothermal energy are very important resources because it produces electricity
which is generated and it also produces geothermal heat (Stefansson V, 2005). Both of the geothermal
energies are being used directly for other applications like the space heating, agriculture and also for
the industrial work process it can be used as well. It is known that the geothermal energy provides up
to 86% of all space heating in Iceland and at least 16.5% is the electricity generation.
2.4.1 Geothermal
Energy resources
and technologies
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Figure 10. Map of Global Geothermal Energy Power Plant (Think Geothermal energy, 2018).
In the figure 12, you can see the flow time and furthermore the use of the flow innovation, geothermal
vitality and generator power plant which Is utilized in the mountains and furthermore in dynamic
volcanic spaces. As should be obvious on the guide, Indonesia has manufactured the world's greatest
geothermal vitality power plant and it is classified "Sarulla Geothermal project" (Wolf and Gabbay,
2015). This geothermal venture has got three distinctive unit power plant with an expected limit of
power 100 MW in each plant (Wolf and Gabbay, 2015). Next, the geothermal vitality is can be abused
much more effectively in the event that it is being misused in dynamic fountain of liquid magma
zones. The indication of surface sign asset is valuable, and the warm inclination is a lot higher so the
geothermal well may shallower 1000 meters than the non-volcanic space 2000 meters to get the
adequate warmth which, should be separated
2.4.2 Geothermal energy surface Manifestation resources
Geothermal Reservoir- when this resource is large enough and hot enough as well then, it would
eventually produce a good amount of powerful source of energy (IFL Sciences, 2015). As it is known
that water in geothermal reservoirs occupies only 2% to 5% of the whole volume of the rock (Gabbay,
2015). One of the main obvious evidence which occurs of geothermal reservoir is when the fluid
comes up from the subsurface to the earth top through the permeable rock pore.
 Hot or warm spring
This surface manifestation is important for a geothermal energy potential. As you know that the warm
spring is formed by the stream of thermal fluids from the subsurface who streamed from the stone
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matrix into the top of the surface area (Janssen and Renn 2015). Characterisation of warm and hot are
classed by the liquid temperature in the surface region, the warm spring regularly hold a temperature
under 50oC and in any case the underground aquifer has more than 50oC temperature. The spring
additionally can show the commanding liquid inside the geothermal store is steam or high temp water
overwhelms (Janssen and Renn 2015).
 Fumarole
The fumarole is a little hole on a superficial level ground with a dry or wet steam spilling through the
opening. Moreover, fumarole that spilled a fast steam for the most part can be found in the steam
overwhelmed aqueous repository framework (Saptadji, 2015). This steam could likewise contain SO2
who can just being balance out at more than 500oC or can be named ultra-high temperature. At long
last, practically the entirety of the fumarole in the surface gushed a hot-wet-steam and ordinarily the
temperature not surpassing 100oC (Think Geoenergy, 2017).
 Geothermal energy subsurface resources
Figure 11. Geothermal energy production
2.4.3 Geothermal Power Plant
it is a very good facility and this facility uses naturally occurring the steam and heat to drive turbine
generators in order to produce as much as possible elasticity.
2.4.4 types of geothermal power plants
• Dry Steam power plants
• Flash power plants
• Binary power plants
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• Flash binary combined power plants
2.4.5 Energy Resource
Energy resource- the energy resources a known as renewable energies and so non-renewable energies.
It is a useful source that could help and support the environment.
2.4.6 Turbine
Turbine- it is a machine which has blades connected and rotate by a forceful movement of liquid, gas
and air is used.
2.4.6 Magma
Magma- this is a hot, thick and molten rock below the earth’s surface.
2.4.7 Geothermal Water
Geothermal water- it is water which is very hot because it is inside the earth.
2.4.8 Steam
Steam- the steam is directly travelling into a turbine and it makes sure the generator produces
electricity.
Figure 12. Geothermal resources and technologies
2.4.8 comparison of geothermal energy and renewable energy
Geothermal resources have become very important to a lot of countries and there are huge potentials
in the world for exploiting geothermal energy. It is important to know that the world population is
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increasing and the air getting more polluted and still a lot of countries use fossil fuels in order to
generate electricity and heat energy (GarwellK, 2007).
Burning of fossil fuels and coals as well are not good for the world because it damages the air quality.
Therefore, geothermal is very clean and safe for the environmental protection. The air quality will not
get affected and those technologies and resources are very important for the United Kingdom in the
upcoming future (Garwell K, 2007). There is not any smoke emitted from geothermal energy power
plants and this is because no burning is involved when you use the geothermal energy power plant.
Just like the geothermal energy, the solar energies and wind do not deplete precious earth resources
and also, they are all green energy, and this means that they are not harmful towards the environment.
In the wind energy system, there has been seen that the wind turbine is rotating and then it makes a
detrimental effect on the local wildlife (Beardmore GR, 2001).
2.5 Sustainable and environmental
Geothermal energy does only small percentage of damage to environment. It is still considered to be a
renewable resource. In the earth which we live in, it has been emitting heat energy for the last 5
billion years and still it continues to emit for the coming up billions of years.
2.5.1 Sustainable/ stable
The geothermal energy provides one of the best reliable sources of energy in the world and when you
compare to other renewable energies like the wind and solar power. Geothermal energy resource is
always available, and it can be discovered and exploited. However, the geothermal energy is known as
environmentally friendly and does not cause a concern for any major pollution. These resources make
sure that it will make human life easier, safer and healthier by preventing any damage to the air
pollution (Jason, M 2009).
2.5.2 Geothermal energy in today’s life
Nowadays, there are four types of geothermal resources which can be found. Out of four types of
geothermal resources, there is one Widley used and it is called hydrothermal. When the magma is
close to the ground water, the main ingredients are heat and water for the hydrothermal, and
moreover, it produces hot steam (Jason, M2009). Thus, the purposes of hydrothermal energy
resources are for different use. The hydrothermal resources are mainly used for heating, buildings, and
it also produces a good amount of electricity.
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The country Iceland is known for using the geothermal energy for space heating mainly. In addition,
the geothermal energy currently generates about 25% of the whole country’s total electricity
production. Geothermal sources are very important for Island and 66% of Iceland’s primary energy
use. Back in the days the geothermal energy was usually used for bathing and washing. Nowadays, it
is used directly in number of ways.
2.6 Economics of Geothermal energy
The geothermal resource is proven to be very safe and economically feasible source of energy for
producing electricity and heat energy. This resource is very satisfying many humans around the world
due to its sustainable outcome hence, geothermal energy systems are known to be the most energy
efficient and eco-friendly. The geothermal power plants produce’s very cheap energy as well and the
cost is very efficient. In the United states of America, they produce 1kWh electricity and it only costs
around 4 to 7 cents from the hydrothermal systems, and this is very cheap and affordable (Alexander
Richter, 2020). Geothermal energy is entirely free globally and it is more than enough if for the world
to use.
Figure 13. energy cost
This picture above shows us how much energy costs for the electricity which is generated from
specific sources.
2.6.1 Advantages
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Geothermal energy plants would be saving cots and it would save up to 80% more than other fossil
fuel power plants, the geothermal energy plants do not use any fuels in order to generate power. No
cost of buying any fuels would be an advantage as well for the geothermal energy plant.
2.6.2 pollution Free
One of the biggest advantages of geothermal energy is that this resource does not cause any pollution
and it is not considered as a health risk to humans (IPPCC, 2007). It produces green energy for the
environment. It is not only a renewable source of energy and it helps to reduce global warming and
prevents some harmful gases from releasing in the earth (IPPCC, 2007).
2.6.3 Economic Benefits
As we know that there are huge potentials of exploiting geothermal energies in a lot of countries. It
would not only benefit the economy of a country but also create more jobs for the people.
2.6.4 Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
The geothermal power plants are relatively safe, but it still has some disadvantages.
2.6.5 Transportation
Sometimes transporting energy is a problem in the geothermal energy production. The fossil fuel is
easier to be transported when it comes long distance residentials area but after extracting the trapped
energy it can only be used in the same areas.
2.6.6 Possibility of running out of steam
The temperatures might drop to due injecting cold water down to the earths and it will eventually cool
down the rocks. Hence, there is a possibility of steam running out in a geothermal energy power plant.
2.6.7 Toxic Gases
If a geothermal power plant cannot contain harmful toxic gases during the drilling process, then
chances of the gas escaping into the earth are very high.
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2.7. Geothermal Energy Application
Figure 14 Application of Geothermal energy(Namarata B, 2015)
2.7.1 Direct Heating
The direct heating energy is one of the easiest applications which can be used for many things. The
main purpose of direct heating is to make sure that households and commercials can benefit from the
application (Renewable energy world, 2018). Direct heat of geothermal energy is very useful, and it is
relatively safe as well and it does not cause any pollution (Power technology, 2018).
According to a research, the main requirements of direct heating temperatures of geothermal energy
are mainly divided into three different scales which, is from the bottom of the temperature level to the
highest level and the lowest temperature is 15 degrees Celsius and the highest 200 degrees Celsius
(EIA, 2016). In addition, from the bottom temperatures are around 15 degrees Celsius and it can go up
to 60 degrees Celsius (Johannsson. 2014). Majority of the utilisation is mainly for the usageof space
heating with the pumps in the farms to the air conditioning usage. The usage is generally low and as
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we know that the geothermal energy is a very simple technology to use and it can be applied with the
heat pump for the households, and also cold areas as well (Garchar et. 2016).
Moreover, at the normal range of temperature scale from 80 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius,
and the binary fluid electricity generation technology is applied for commercial buildings and
greenhouses in order to heat them up. Later, the available temperate which is used for direct heat, and
it can produce some descent amount of electricity energy (Renewable energy world. 2018).The
amount of electricity, which is being produced, it is maybe not used for mass use of commercial
electricity generation and the heat which is extracted with the current state of technology can be useful
for the space heating and making the environment more safer and healthier as well (Power
technology. 2018).
The most noteworthy purpose of temperature is normally utilised for direct heating in the geothermal
energy and it is run from 140 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius. It is realised that the ordinary
electric age is utilised for direct heat and it is additionally fit for power plant (Eliasson, porhallsson.
2008).
The United of America is the nation which utilises the geothermal energy source the most for direct
heating and for the power age also. The nation arrives at the measure of more than 3,5 GW identical
in power creation as far as geothermal energy power age in direct heating and power creation (Power
innovation. 2018).
2.7.2 Electricity Generations
It is known that geothermal energy applications are based on hydrothermal energy most of the times
(EIA. 2017). The heat, which is originating from the subsurface well, it is transferred directly with the
pipe in order to force the generator to create enough power. Next,once the heat is from the steam is
taken, then extra fluid water and the concoction from the subsurface will get injected into the well
again (EIA. 2017). The geothermal energy is classified as a renewable energy source because it
generates energy from the heat of the subsurface and the rest of the fluid the chemical from the so-
called steam are injected again in the subsurface (Renewable energy world. 2018).
There are number of different kinds of hydrothermal energy power plants which are at present being
used in the whole world(EIA. 2017). Those three sorts of hydrothermal energy power plants are
known as dry steam plants, flash steam plants and binary steam plants. The flash steam power plants
are the most common once which are being used in the world. They geothermal reservoirs of the
water within the temperatures greater than 360 Fahrenheit (Renewable energy world. 2018). Very
warm water is used which flows up through the wells inside the ground on its own pressure. When the
28

warm water goes upwards then the pressure instantly decreases and some of the warm water will boil
into the steam straight away and the temperatures will dramatically increase (Electric power energy.
2010). Next, the steam will be separated from the water itself and then it will be used, so the enough
of the power will help the turbine/generator work fully. The remainingwater and condensed steam will
be injected back into the reservoir and it will make this resource much more sustainable for the
environment (Renewable world. 2018).
2.7.3 Heat pumps and Space heating
The space heating is known to be one of the eldest direct uses of geothermal energy (Lund, 2000). In
the 14th of century, there were French people living in the village of Chaudes-Aigues Cantal and they
were enjoying the benefits of geothermal energy space heating which was delivered to them
immediately through a district heating network and it is still in use today.
Majority of direct heating of geothermal energy utilisations is mainly and predominantly used for
geothermal heat pumps which might be used for commercial buildings S WELL nd for space heating
(Bloomquist, 2003). About 70.95 percent of the utilisation of geothermal energy in the world, it is
used with heat pumps and for geothermal heat pumps are very important for the healthy
environment.Around 70.74 percent of the worlds total share is being used for space heating.
The geothermal pumps are found to be a very attractive alternative to conventional electric or fossil
fuel space conditioning equipment. Many times, there cost advantages on the first cost basis as well as
in operation and maintenance (Bloomquist. 2001).
2.7.4 Greenhouse Heating
The greenhouse heating is known as the most useable direct heating of th4 geothermal power energy
and it supported the agricultural sector as well with wider range of renewable energy (Bakos,1999).
The greenhouse heating with geothermal energy is one of the best ranked sources in the world.
According to a research, a data showed the percentage of the greenhouse heating and it was without
the usage of any heat pumps, the technology was ranked at number 3 in the world (Renewable energy
world. 2018).
The use of the Direct heating in geothermal energy for this situation is very low in term of
temperature necessity and furthermore appropriate neglected circumstance when the plants can't
develop in this condition. The utilisation of the green house heating with geothermal energy utilises
low enthalpy from the shallow to profound well with an assistance from pump and now and then heat
exchanger. The system from a solitary well could be applied not for just greenhouse yet additionally
appropriate for 2 or much more, rely upon warm inclination of a region (Gabay, 2015).
29

The low enthalpy of geothermal energy for the greenhouse has been established and applied in the
country of Greece a few decades ago.The farmers have already utilised the heat energy from the
geothermal energy fluid with the heat exchanger. Those tools would benefit the farmers a lot and help
them to produce a hot water temperature of 95 Celsius degrees (Bakos, 1999).
Furthermore, the heat is promising for the famers and it benefits them a lot as well. The farmer in sub
tropic area can begin to explore the capabilities of geothermal energy in order to discontinue their
addict in using amazing heat energy system with the scarce resource such as the fossil fuels (Bakos,
1999).
2.7.5 Agriculture and Aquaculture use
The portions of these applications in geothermal energy direct application are not as well-known as
the other reason. With world all out offer underneath 4% the agriculture drying, and aquaculture lake
heating are presently not normal and famous to be use. Fundamentally the drying of the farming is for
staying away from the spoiled procedure while putting away, quicker time in gathering, and increment
the cost likewise the nature of agriculture items (Popovska, 2014), while the aquaculture lake heating
needed for upraising the freshwater or additionally marine living creatures in a controlled domain to
improve the creation proportion (Boyd, 2003).
Chapter 3 Methodology
Research methodology is one of the main sections in any dissertation, which entails tools and
techniques, as well as way to conduct whole study. It specifies strategies with justifications to chosen
the same, including manner in which investigation could be taken place, for addressing main
objectives of research. For this purpose, before going to concern which methods will be chosen to
gather information in present study, researchers have focused on concept of both qualitative and
quantitative methods. Hereby, qualitative methods involves non-numerical data, which is collected to
carry out deep analysis, by understanding and evaluating opinion and perspectives of other researchers
who have conducted study on same topic in past. Through this process and in-depth insights, lead in
generation of new ideas for research. Therefore, qualitative techniques mainly used in topics related to
social science, such as health science, geological aspects, sociology, geographical concepts and more.
It includes methods like focus groups, surveys, secondary research, interviews and more. On contrast,
quantitative research methods are used for gathering numerical data, which can be analysed through
statistical analysis only. It emphasis on objective measurements where study is constructed through
manipulating the pre-existing statistical information, by using computational techniques. Quantitative
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methods are mainly used for conducting report based on financial aspects, business related projects
and more. In context with current study, as it is based on “ Potential for geothermal energy
exploitation in the UK”, therefore, investigation is conducted through qualitative research
methodology. It is considered appropriate this method to generate a first real immersion on this topic
of interest, i.e. knowledge acquisition regarding the status of geothermal energy in the UK, analysis of
resources, technologies and applications and to respond successfully to some of the main research
questions stated previously based mostly on texts.
In general the purpose of a qualitative research methodology is to gather data useful to describe events
and situations within the research context of interest – in this case the geothermal energy in the UK,
providing thus the details and depth expected through appropriate interpretation and understanding of
the main phenomenon subject of the current study. The decision of using qualitative methods which
includes secondary sources and case discussions, aid in gathering theoretical information and
processed the data more easily, for addressing research objectives by in-depth insights. Initially based
on text analysis and therefore with a more interpretative orientation, the qualitative method was
accordingly to that the preferred methodology.
3.1 Research Hypothesis
A research hypothesis refers to specific, clear as well as predictive statement, which entails
about all possible outcome of a research based on scientific studies. It includes statements that are
needed to be justified or proven by specifying the research hypotheses. Therefore, it is considered as
one of the most important steps within planning of a scientific qualitative research study. It states a
priori expectation about the results of study in terms of one or more research hypotheses despite of
conducting a study before, because the design of the research study and the planned research design
often is determined by the stated hypotheses. In context with present study, which is going to analyse
an in-depth study of geothermal energy, to set theoretical case analysis, following hypothesis have
been constructed -
1. To evaluate the status of the geothermal energy resources, technologies, and applications in
the UK.
2. To analyse the way geothermal energy resources benefit the environment.
3. To determine the future of geothermal energy in the UK.
As environmentally friendly when compared to other conventional fuel sources, therefore, the efficacy
of the data collection process was highly improved through this technique and it was very valuable to
establish the corresponding link between independent and dependent variables essential for the
understanding of the main processes involved.
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Moreover, an essential part of the research strategy applied in this work was based on case studies
being thus one of the main reporting modes. Since multiple sources of evidence were considered, a
consequent specification of the research limitations and reliability analysis and critique of these
methods was evaluated. These limitations are associated with the data that was taken from the
literature review and used throughout this work to analyse information extracted from tables and
figures. Sources are not up-to-date and conclusions about this study are therefore totally constrained
and significantly reduced by that.
The information processed can be thus not relevant in the present or situations exposed as a
consequence of this analysis can be totally different for the year of interest. Comparisons are only
relevant considering these aspects. Certainly, for the description of the phenomena of interest and the
general understanding of concepts associated with geothermal energy that will not imply a significant
variation over time, the literature review can still constitute a relevant source of information and data
analysis.
A direct example of this can be the use of data from table 1 (see Table 1 below) about the types of
resources and temperatures range respectively associated (Source from 1975).
Table 1. Types of resources
However, regarding electricity generation trends from figure 8 (See Figure 8 below), it is not be
possible to make valuable predictions towards the current year nor to the future taking into account
data in the 2010-2017 range (last information from 2017). The utility of this source is limited to the
last year exposed unless other sources can be used to fill the gap and establish projections.
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Figure 8. Geothermal energy data
These are some direct examples that can highlight the problem of the current research and its main
limitations.
3.2 Data collection
This part of research is also one of the most important sections, which includes way to collect
information from different-different sources. It includes primary and secondary sources, which have
own methods and techniques to gather report. Hereby, primary methods include those sources from
where original information could be collected, more accurately. Whilst, secondary sources provide
published or non-published data which has collected before, by other researchers. But in case of
accuracy, this method proves not to be best however, large base of information could be collected and
authenticity could be maintained by gathering data from reliable sources. Therefore, considering both
types of methods, the data for the current study is obtained through qualitative surveys and the
transcription of notes were taken throughout by gathering information from secondary sources only.
3.3 Types of questions – format used
Multiple choice questions: Where one answer must be selected from a list of choices. These
types of questions are classified in the category of closed-ended.
Matrix and rating scale questions: These are in the classification of closed-ended questions.
The idea is to get more information from participants through the evaluation of a row of items and
unique column with alternatives. In the case of rating scale a system of weights is used for each
answer choice and the corresponding weighted average calculated.
Checkboxes questions: Where more than one box can be selected by participants counting
thus with the possibility to choose all applicable alternatives. It is also classified as closed-ended.
Ranking questions: Where the answers must be placed in order by the participants showing
thus immediately their preferences in a comparative way. Normally an average will be calculated for
each answer.
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34

Chapter 4 Case Studies (Results)
35

Chapter 5 Discussions
Chapter 6 Conclusion
Appendix
36

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