Geothermal Binary Plants
It comes as no surprise that the center of the earth is a powerhouse of heat and warmth. That’s where geothermal binary plants come in, which are a turbocharged, eco-friendly alternative to sustainable energy. They operate differently than regular geothermal setups. According to the Energy Information Association, “Geothermal power plants require high-temperature hydrothermal resources—300 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to 700 °F—that come from either dry steam wells or from hot water wells. We use these resources by drilling wells into the earth and then piping steam or hot water to the surface. The hot water or steam powers a turbine that generates electricity. Some geothermal wells are as much as 2 miles deep.”
They use a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point. This means it heats up faster when it comes into contact with the earth’s heat. In turn, this produces steam, which generates the turbines and electricity. It’s also beneficial because it taps into lower-temperature geothermal sources, which means it’s possible to have more locations around the world (EIA).