Geothermal Energy in Iceland - Coursework Example

Geothermal energy in Iceland Introduction Looking at the current rate by which fossil fuel is being used reveals a probability of energy crises in the future. Many countries have thus engaged inputs from energy specialists top carry out thorough researches concerning the looming energy crises. Energy companies have also been on the fore front in a bid to try and save the world as well as survive energy crises by sponsoring researches on renewable energy sources. Researchers from both governments’ departments and companies’ research and development have been tasked with one aim of coming with recommendation on the appropriate renewable energy sources. Despite the slow pace at which the researches are being conducted, mainstream awareness as well as government pressures are on the rise. Various energy technologies have been proposed as appropriate for generating both electricity and heat to address the growing energy demand. A good example of a country involved in harnessing and utilizing renewable energy sources by use of various technological developments is Iceland (Gunnarsson 2013). Various research findings have outlined different sources of alternative energy. The sources include solar energy, which can be converted either for heating purposes or by use of complex conversion into electricity. Next is wind power that can be used either for generation of electricity or for pumping water. We also have biomass that is used for various purposes including production of heat for warmth and cooking and production of methane gas used in alcohol production for powering electric power plants and fueling automobile. The other source of renewable energy is geothermal power. It is a reservoir of hot water and steam beneath the earth’s surface and can be used for heating as well as generation of electricity. In addition, we have tidal and wave energy being used for heating and generation of electricity. Of all the stated alternative sources of energy, geothermal energy is one of the energy sources that have gained relevance as green energy leading to its widespread exploitation. The main purpose of this report will be to demonstrate an understanding and ability to assess, generation and the use of, geothermal energy in Iceland with different forms of alternative technologies. As a result, the research process will involve Identification of the primary ways in which energy is being generated from an alternative source (geothermal) in Iceland for the generation of electricity, heat and transport. Also, there will be a thorough Specification of the technology that can be used in each application in Iceland with their respective reasons. Ana analysis of the effectiveness of the sources and their output (heat, power and transport) in Iceland will be provided. The final stage of the report will entail Identification and assessment of the technical, economic and environmental barriers to the deployment of the proposed alternative technologies (Da Rosa 2012). Discussion There are a number of primary ways recommended by researchers as appropriate in the development and capturing of geothermal energy. The first technology for harnessing energy from the alternative source is by directly tapping into natural hydrothermal convection systems to capture hot water rising to the surface. The hot water is then captured on the surface as steam and used for driving electric generators responsible for producing electricity (Da Rosa 2012). In many cases, geothermal companies drill their holes through to the rocks for effective capturing of steam. The available technology for generating electricity and steam from Geothermal takes place in three main designs, all of which are based on the principle of capturing both steam and hot water from the ground. The first design drives steam through the turbine then to the condenser for cooling into water. The second design involves depressurizing hot water back to steam to use in driving turbines to generate electricity. The third design involves passing hot water through a heat exchanger responsible for heating another liquid, like isobutene, that is used to drive the turbines (Da Rosa 2012). The second primary way of capturing geothermal energy aims at facilitating heating processes. Geothermal springs are nowadays being used directly for different heating purposes. Hot water from geothermal is being used to provide heat for raising plants grown in green houses, for heating buildings, drying crops and fish, improvement of oil recovery, de-ice roads as well as aiding industrial processes such as pasteurizing. For instance, almost every building in Iceland is heated by hot water from geothermal springs. The capital Reykjavik is one of the places that receive heat from hot water pumped from geothermal springs at a distance of 25 kilometers away (Dickson 2013). The other technology of capturing energy from geothermal is by the use of geothermal heat pumps. The pumps are designed in such a way that they provide heating and cooling effects to buildings depending on the season being experienced (Gunnarsson 2013). Pipes are buried in the ground and connected to the building thereby completing a full cycle. Fluids, like air, are pumped into the pipes and circulate between the ground and the building. During summer, liquids transfer heat form the connected building to the ground while during winter, the pipes provide pre-warmed air to the buildings’ cooling systems. Analysis of the available technologies for capturing energy from geothermal sources reveals distinct approach and design for fulfilling each type of energy application. For example, anyone or a government wishing to provide its citizen with heat from geothermal springs will have to use geothermal heat pumps. The technology used in the design of geothermal heat pumps allows the system to provide cooling effect during summer then heating up the building during winter. Taking a look at Iceland, the country gets around 84% of its energy form geothermal power. Almost all buildings in the country have been designed with cooling systems that utilize geothermal power. Some of the reasons that have promoted the use of geothermal heat pumps in cooling houses are the fact that they are cheap and easy to both install and operate. Also the use of power plants to convert geothermal power into electricity has proved to be effective in providing sustainable alternatives to energy crisis. For a country like Iceland, around 50% of its energy demand is being catered for by geothermal power. The technology is easy simple and attainable. Despite the heavy capital required during initial stages, the energy captured from geothermal is cheap and environmental friendly. Steam from geothermal springs is directed to drive turbines that later run big electric generators. Being one of the renewable sources, the technology used in the geothermal power plants allows hot water from the plants to be pumped back to the ground. The hot water pumped back to the ground will then be converted into steam due to higher temperatures beneath the earth’s surface. The electricity produced from geothermal power can then be used to drive electric cars. Also, new development in the transport sector has witnessed a big transformation brought about by the use of hydrogen gas generated from geothermal power to drive vehicles. Geothermal power has proved to be effective in meeting energy demands of Iceland. The country has been able to contain energy crisis resulting from the use of fossil fuel, as around 84% of the country’s energy is from alternative sources (Ragnarsson 2013). Almost all buildings in Iceland are being heated by use of geothermal power. The transport sector has also benefited from alternative energy, as vehicles are being powered by hydrogen gas obtained from geothermal plants. Technical requirements for establishing geothermal plant are simple and manageable. Installation of the heating system to buildings is also simple and easy. The economical impact resulting from the exploitation of geothermal power has transformed the entire country. Iceland no longer faces energy crisis due to less dependence on fossil fuels. Exploitation of geothermal power is also environmental friendly. The process does not emit greenhouse gases like the use of fossil fuels. References Da Rosa, A. V 2012, Fundamentals of renewable energy processes. Academic Press. Dickson, M. H., & Fanelli, M 2013, Geothermal energy: utilization and technology. Routledge. Gunnarsson, I., Aradóttir, E. S., Sigfússon, B., Gunnlaugsson, E., Júlíusson, B. M., & Energy, R 2013, Geothermal Gas Emission From Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir Power Plants, Iceland. GRC Transactions, 37, 785-789. Ragnarsson, Á 2013, Geothermal energy use, country update for Iceland. In European Geothermal Congress (pp. 1-11). Read More