Jarðhitasvirkjana

Jarðhitasvirkjana refers to geothermal power plants. These facilities harness the Earth's internal heat to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that stems from the radioactive decay of minerals and residual heat from the planet's formation. Geothermal power plants tap into this heat by drilling wells into underground reservoirs of hot water and steam.

There are several types of geothermal power plants. Dry steam plants are the simplest, using steam directly from the reservoir to spin turbines. Flash steam plants use high-pressure hot water, which is then depressurized, causing it to flash into steam that drives turbines. Binary cycle plants use hot water, even at lower temperatures, to heat a secondary working fluid with a lower boiling point, which then vaporizes and drives the turbines.

The electricity generated by geothermal power plants is considered a clean energy source as it produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The land footprint of geothermal power plants is also relatively small. However, potential environmental concerns can include the release of sulfur dioxide and other gases trapped underground, as well as the possibility of induced seismicity in some locations. Despite these challenges, geothermal energy remains a valuable contributor to the global renewable energy mix, particularly in regions with accessible geothermal resources.