Geothermal energy has been an age-long source for several institutions and citizens in the Philippines. Aside from being known to be a clean power source, geothermal energy is highly reliable for its renewable feature. The Philippines, along with other countries, are beginning to create high-end technology and geothermal energy solutions to maximize this energy source.
Among all the energy sources in the Philippines, geothermal energy has contributed up to 13%. It has also ranked as the third top source. A report showed that the Philippines is known as the second-largest producer of geothermal energy. Its benefits and effects are innumerable, but before dwelling more about geothermal energy, here is how it is developed and what its form types are:
The development of geothermal energy
Steam coming out from the underground reserves goes up to the surface level and transfers to the power plant. The turbine generators found in these plants are then activated and later turn steam into electricity. In other areas, water vapour is produced to the atmosphere to cool the facility. The geothermal fluid left behind is recycled and pumped back into the ground. When the heat from underground is mixed with the recycled liquid, it produces more steam. With this, the cycle goes on.
How it affects the environment
Water resources
Geothermal energy solutions in the Philippines involve a closed-loop water system which cleanses the underground water from the high levels of sulphur and minerals. With this, water contamination is avoided.
Land resources
Land subsidence is the risk when having geothermal energy solutions since it provokes the sinking of the land surface. However, this has been prevented by re-injecting wastewater into the underground reservoirs. Project developers also made sure to build these power plants in remote and appropriate ecological areas.
Air resources
There are two types of geothermal power plants when it comes to air emissions. The open-loop systems
allow sulfur dioxide, the most common emission of geothermal energy solutions, to be released in the atmosphere. However, this emission is not exactly harmful since its effects are 30 times lower than those from the coal plant. On the other hand, a closed-loop system does not allow for any discharge to be released in the atmosphere. Gas is removed from the power plant and re-injected back to the ground instead.
The bottom line
It is no doubt that geothermal energy solutions in the Philippines are evident and have paved numerous effects on the environment and growth of the country. With proper utilization and good practice, the country is bound to enjoy its benefits in the long run continuously.
See also:
Renewable Energy Implementation Support
Renewable Energy Maintenance Support
Biogas Energy Solutions
Renewable Energy Services
Renewable Energy Solutions
