Geothermal Power And Problems

Abstract

Geothermal energy is becoming an increasingly important source of electrical power in today's world. Presented here is a review of the world wide geothermal situation and the development of "The Geysers" geothermal resource by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the companies that explore, drill wells and supply the steam. It is now the world's largest developed geothermal electric project with 15 operating units generating more than 900 megawatts. Twenty years of operating experience has demonstrated the practical and reliable features of the project. Operating conditions differ greatly from the traditional fossil fueled thermal generating plants with boilers and clean steam. The steam produced from the wells has large quantities of gases and impurities. This geothermal steam causes unique corrosion, erosion and scale deposition problems for turbines and auxiliary equipment. The steam contains hydrogen sulphide which must be removed for a clean environment. Mountainous terrain adds to the problems of plant construction.