Researchers from the United Kingdom are investigating the potential of using volcanoes as a source of geothermal energy. Volcanoes worldwide release metals crucial for batteries and electric cars, such as copper, lithium, and gold, in similar amounts to those extracted globally every day.

Scientists have discovered geofluids beneath dormant volcanoes, which could make geothermal energy a viable renewable energy source while also providing essential metals for the transition to a net-zero economy. Researchers at the Oxford Martin Programme on Rethinking Natural Resources, part of the University of Oxford, are studying the volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. They are analysing the geofluids around the volcano to develop a blueprint that can be utilised globally.

Professor Jonathan Blundy from the program stated,

"I think maybe not in my lifetime, but in my children’s lifetime, what we call the saline geofluids – the resource landscape that is getting metals and energy out of underground fluids – will feature very extensively in resources of the future. So we’re really at the beginning of something that will grow very large, I think, simply because we can do it with much less surface disturbance, no big holes in the ground."

What is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source generated from the Earth's natural heat. This heat originates from the Earth's core and is continuously replenished by the natural decay of radioactive isotopes. The Earth's internal heat flows outward, heating rocks and water in the Earth's crust, creating reservoirs of steam and hot water.

How Does Geothermal Energy Work?

To harness geothermal energy, wells are drilled into geothermal reservoirs to access steam and hot water. This geothermal fluid is then brought to the surface and used to drive turbines connected to electricity generators. The three main types of geothermal power plants are:

Dry Steam Plants: Utilise steam directly from the geothermal reservoir to turn turbines.

Flash Steam Plants: Use high-pressure hot water from the reservoir; as the pressure decreases, the water flashes into steam to drive the turbines.

Binary Cycle Plants: Transfer heat from geothermal fluid to another liquid with a lower boiling point, which then vaporises and drives the turbines.

Applications of Geothermal Energy

Electricity Generation: Geothermal power plants convert hydrothermal fluids to electricity, providing a stable and reliable power source operating 24/7 regardless of weather conditions.

Direct Use: Geothermal energy can be used directly for heating purposes without the need for a heat pump or power plant. Applications include:

• District heating systems
• Heating greenhouses
• Aquaculture ponds
• Industrial processes
• Spas and hot springs

Heating and Cooling Buildings: Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are an efficient way to heat and cool buildings. GHPs reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional systems.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

Environmentally Friendly: Produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.

Renewable and Sustainable: The Earth's core continuously produces heat, making it a sustainable energy source.

Massive Potential: Geothermal resources worldwide could theoretically provide up to 140 GW of electricity by 2050.

Reliable: Provides a consistent power supply, unlike other renewable sources dependent on weather conditions.

Versatile: Can be used for electricity generation, heating, and cooling.

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Minor Environmental Issues: Small amounts of greenhouse gases may be released during extraction, and plants may require large amounts of water.

Management: Careful management of geothermal reservoirs is essential for long-term sustainability.

Location-Specific: Geothermal power plants can only be built in regions with high geothermal activity, such as tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic areas.

High Initial Costs: Developing geothermal power plants involves high initial costs due to drilling and infrastructure construction.

Earthquake Risk: In rare cases, geothermal energy extraction can cause minor earthquakes, though these are lly low in magnitude.