Geotérmicos

Geotérmicos refers to energy derived from the Earth's internal heat. This heat is a result of radioactive decay and residual heat from the planet's formation. Geothermal energy can be harnessed in various ways, primarily for electricity generation and direct heating applications.

In power plants, geothermal reservoirs, which are areas where hot water or steam is trapped beneath the Earth's surface, are utilized. Wells are drilled into these reservoirs to access the hot fluid. The steam is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. Different types of geothermal power plants exist, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle plants, each suited for different temperature and pressure conditions of the geothermal resource.

Direct use applications involve utilizing geothermal heat directly without converting it to electricity. This can include heating buildings, greenhouses, and aquaculture ponds, as well as for industrial processes and even spas. Geothermal heat pumps are another common application, using the stable temperature of the Earth near the surface to provide heating and cooling for buildings.

Geothermal energy is considered a renewable resource because the Earth's heat is continuously replenished. Its environmental impact is generally lower than fossil fuels, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, the availability of suitable geothermal resources is geographically dependent, and there can be localized environmental concerns such as the release of gases and potential for seismic activity during drilling.