Geothermal Energy (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Geothermal energy

• Tectonic activity causes areas where the rocks below ground become heated

• Energy in the thermal store of the rocks can be obtained by:

  • Drilling shafts into the Earth's surface to expose the heated rocks
  • Injecting water into the shaft which is heated by the rocks
  • The water is returned via another shaft as steam or hot water
  • The steam can be used to turn a turbine and generate electricity
  • The hot water can be used to heat homes and provide a hot water supply to households

Geothermal power station

Cold water is heated by the rocks and returned as hot water or steam, which can be used to generate electricity