thanks.
Geothermal Operations Engineer
Geothermal power is very important for the Earth and humanity because it has a possibility to provide almost 10 gigawatts of electricity, but in fact only a small percentage of this capacity is used now. Geothermal power itself is the power of heat stored in the Earth. This power is created by the radioactive decay that takes place inside the Earth crust. Nowadays lots of scientists in the laboratories develop new geothermal projects. Usually the projects concern building special pumps enabling to pump cold water down to the certain depth and then pump it up, already hot. Economic value of geothermal power stations is determined by the depth of heated rocks reach. Therefore places to build these pump stations are limited to the places nearby the boundaries of tectonic plates, where heated rocks are disposed nearer to the surface. In fact, the degree of heat transfer is constant all over the world, and there is enough heat within close range to have heating and hot water in several houses and not enough to supply industrial needs.
Geothermal power is an excellent source of energy for all humanity on a pair with wind and solar power. All these sources of electrical power are renewable, and this fact has a crucial meaning for the science. Today our needs in electric power are constantly increasing with the development of industrial technologies and growth of human population on the Earth. Meanwhile supplies of oil and gas are limited. Improving existing technologies of the renewable energy use and developing new ones is the fastest way to solve energy problem. Hence geothermal engineers often work in scientific laboratories developing new projects of geothermal power stations and pumps. Generally, geothermal energy can be used directly to warm residential districts, farms, greenhouses, etc. and it's often used to produce electricity. In this case geothermal power stations contain not only pump system, but also turbines, working on the steam and producing electricity. To realize this, water should be heated much, at least to the hundred degrees centigrade, and there are a few places where the depth of such heating is within the close range. Even Island with its system of geysers uses geothermal supplies mostly to heat residential districts and communities.
Being a specialist in geothermal power often requires a degree in ground related sciences, e.g. geology, environmental sciences, engineering, geothermal costs and benefits, etc. However, the specialists in this field are in high demand. Developing of technologies of renewable energy use is the most probable solution for lack of energy on the Earth.
You can use a geothermal engineering degree or a mechanical engineering degree or even an environmental engineering degree...there are plenty of engineering disciplines that will get you here. You just have to decide what angle you want to approach it from. I would work towards an environmental engineering degree as you can bring in other disciplines such as solar power and more.
Building and designing a Geothermal Plant = Systems Engineers mixed with other disciplines.
Maintaining it and improving it = Chemical, Nuclear, and Environmental Engineers.
Designing a geothermal power plant requires a team of professionals including electrical, controls, civil, structural, mechanical, geotechnical, soils, etc. engineers. The lead project engineer is usually a licensed electrical or licensed mechanical engineer. The lead construction manager is often a licensed civil engineer.
Things involving designing and or building/maintaining something like a geothermal power plant? Would it be Mechanical engineers?
thanks.
