Geothermal-and-biofuels is a hybrid approach combining energy from the Earth's internal heat and the organic material known as biomass. Geothermal energy taps into the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's crust, harnessed from geothermal wells and reservoirs. Biofuels, on the other hand, are derived from organic materials such as crops, livestock waste, and some industrial by-products. Together, these sources offer a unique blend of energy generation, balancing the constant power of geothermal with the renewable potential of biofuels. This combination is part of the broader set of low-carbon solutions in the quest to replace carbon-intensive fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate change and air pollution.
To generate electricity from geothermal-and-biofuels, geothermal systems extract heat from the Earth, often using a heat exchanger to produce steam, which drives turbines linked to generators. Biofuels can be used to produce heat or gas through combustion or biochemical processes, similarly turning turbines to generate electricity. Using geothermal-and-biofuels allows for a more flexible energy network, capable of producing base-load power as well as adjusting to demand through biofuels.
One of the significant advantages of geothermal-and-biofuels is its relatively low range of carbon intensities, from 38 gCO2eq/kWh for geothermal to 230 gCO2eq/kWh for biofuels. When compared to coal, which emits around 820 gCO2eq/kWh, and oil at nearly 650 gCO2eq/kWh, the reduction in emissions is substantial. This positioning makes geothermal-and-biofuels a valuable player in a low-carbon energy mix alongside stalwarts like wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh), nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), and solar (45 gCO2eq/kWh), highlighting their crucial role in a sustainable energy future.
Geothermal-and-biofuels, though only generating a minuscule share—NaN%—of global electricity consumption, represents an important diversification of low-carbon energy sources. While globally, it contributes a negligible percentage, it still accounts for 1% of electricity generation in countries like Sri Lanka. This illustrates the potential for various regions to leverage local resources, contributing to energy independence and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
In conclusion, geothermal-and-biofuels, alongside wind, nuclear, and solar energy, serve as essential components in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this diverse portfolio of low-carbon technologies offers pathways to mitigate climate change impacts, enhance air quality, and create a resilient energy grid. While advocating for the expansion of robust technologies like wind, nuclear, and solar, recognizing geothermal-and-biofuels for its inherent value underscores the multifaceted strategy needed to secure our electric future.
Country/Region | Watts / person | % | TWh |
---|---|---|---|
Sri Lanka | 7.1 W | 1.0% | 0.2 TWh |