Representation of a geothermal heat extraction system. Credit: Charlotte Adams
Researchers at the University's Durham Energy Institute (DEI) are exploring the Earth's geothermal energy potential. Led by the Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems (CeREES), researchers are investigating how this potential can be harnessed to provide a low carbon, clean, non-intermittent energy source. A potential source of heat and warmth for homes could come from the flood water found in abandoned coal mines. Here, Dr Charlotte Adams , DEI member/Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Research Manager for the BritGeothermal Consortium , explains more about how research could help tap into this valuable resource. Q: What is geothermal energy and what are its benefits? A: Geothermal energy is created by heat that is produced at the centre of the Earth radiating outwards towards the Earth's crust. With every km depth there is an average increase in temperature of 35°C. This energy is derived from several different geological settings including volcanic regions, deeply buried granites and sedimentary basins, ageing or abandoned hydrocarbon wells and abandoned mines, the latter being the focus of this article. Depending upon the source temperature, geothermal offers a low carbon option for heat and in some cases electricity production. One third of UK energy demand is used to produce heat. Gas is the most common fuel used for this but the UK has been a net importer of this since 2004. In addition to offering a low carbon continuous energy supply that could meet baseload heat demand, geothermal energy offers energy security by using an indigenous resource. Q: What is the global potential of geothermal energy?
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