Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is a source of renewable energy where electricity is generated by harnessing the natural heat from the earth.
What are the uses of geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is used all over the world for electricity production, heating, agricultural purposes, including milk pasteurising, and industrial purposes that includes food dehydration and gold mining.
At Fortescue we aim to develop geothermal energy resources to support the establishment of green energy and green product industries around the world.
We can drive these industries, powering the global economies and help create jobs as we transition away from fossil fuels.
We know there will be many key markets for green hydrogen in the coming decade and by building on our existing supply chain capabilities and market access, we see an exciting opportunity for us to be at the forefront of developing an export market for green hydrogen.
How is geothermal energy used to make green hydrogen and green ammonia?
To produce electricity from geothermal energy, deep wells are drilled to access the steam and hot water below the Earth’s surface. This steam is used to drive a turbine, connected to a generator.
These wells are called production wells. Most plants also require injection wells to return some of this fluid to the geothermal reservoir to maintain pressure. This electrical energy is transferred to a transformer and substation where its voltage is increased, allowing it to be sent via transmission to power the processes behind green hydrogen and green ammonia production.
Safety
Fortescue’s geothermal energy infrastructure will follow the principal of inherently safe design; ensuring hazards are eliminated wherever possible, reduced through substitution or controlled through engineering solutions.
Designed and manufactured to international safety standards, geothermal power plants use relatively small amounts of space, and don’t require storage, transportation or combustion of fuels.
Places where heat is closest to the surface are the most attractive geothermal prospects. Examples of this are volcanic regions where the Earth’s crust is thinning form tectonic forces, such as East Africa.
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