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Discharges to surface waters and into the subsurface
The chemical composition of fluids from geothermal reservoirs varies over wide ranges, from near neutral and relatively dilute values (<200 ppm chloride at pH > 9, Hveragerdi/Iceland) up to acidic and highly saline concentrations (150’000 ppm chloride at pH < 5, Salton Sea/USA). In addition, significant amounts of SiO2 as well as further elements like B, As, Li and Hg can be present. Concentrations in liquid effluents vary not only locally but also with the (condensing or notcondensing) power plant type. Discharge of effluents into surface waters like rivers is applied only at a few places (e.g. Wairakei/New Zealand); in many countries there are legal restrictions with discharge limits. Read more…

Geothermal power generation creates a much lower emission of greenhouse gases than most other technologies. In any comparison it is important to consider the entire production cycle is considered, i.e. all phases before, during and after power plant operation. Geothermal power plants have particularly low CO₂ emissions compared to other technologies; when CO₂ abatement is concerned, they are therefore more attractive options for power generation than coal, oil or gas sources (Figure 1). Read more…