Types
Terminology
Applications
Advantages
Disadvantages
100

This Power Plant uses high-pressure hot water, which flows into lower pressure tanks, flashes water to steam, and drives turbines to generate electricity.

Flash Steam

100

A subsurface rock formation containing hot water and/or steam and is the source of geothermal energy.

Geothermal Reservoir

100

These systems use heat pumps to circulate cool/warm air to these locations.

Homes and businesses

100

Emits low levels of this, which reduces the carbon footprint and helps mitigate climate change.

Greenhouse gases (GHG)

100

Geothermal resources are location specific.

Location dependency

200

This Power Plant uses high-temperature steam directly from the reservoir to drive turbines to generate electricity.

Dry Steam

200

A heating and cooling system that uses the earth’s stable temperature to exchange heat with a building,

Heat Pump

200

This application is used in the agricultural industry.

Greenhouse and soil heating

200

Geothermal energy replenishes naturally and will remain with proper management.

Renewable and sustainable

200

If not managed properly, geothermal reservoirs can be impacted.

Depletion and Sustainability

300

This Power Plant uses lower-temperature geothermal fluid, which heats a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point, and produces steam to drive turbines to generate electricity.

Binary Cycle 

300

A network of pipes carrying hot water from a centralized source to heat multiple buildings.

District Heating System

300

This application uses geothermal water to regulate water temperature for the health/growth of species.

Aquaculture and fish farming

300

Geothermal energy is not affected by the weather.

Reliable and stable

300

The drilling process and disposal of geothermal fluids can result in this.

Environmental impacts

400

This uses geothermal heat directly – without conversion to electricity.

Direct Use

400

Renewable energy derived from the earth’s internal heat.

Geothermal Energy

400

This application uses geothermal energy for industrial materials, and agriculture products. 

Drying and dehydration

400

Geothermal Plants convert a large percentage of the available heat into electricity and reduce fossil fuel use.

High efficiency and energy independence

400

These can be offset by long-term benefits of low operations and maintenance costs.

Initial high costs

500

Creating Artificial Reservoirs.

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

500

A geothermal process where water circulates through rock fractures, absorbing heat and creating a geothermal reservoir.

Hydrothermal System

500

This application offers therapeutic and recreational experiences

Spas and resorts

500

Versatility makes it a valuable resource for various applications without the need for complex conversion processes.

Direct use applications

500

Due to geological constraints, this is restricted.

Global accessibility