Larderello Worlds First Geothermal Power Station
Larderello Worlds First Geothermal Power Station
Find out about the geothermal power station in Larderello, Tuscany, Italy
geothermal
The world's first
Geothermal power station was built in 1911 in Larderello, in Southern Tuscany, Italy. Since Roman times steam and hot water springs emerging from this geologically active ground has been used for hot water and for bathing.
In 1904 emerging steam was used to turn a small turbine which in turn powered five light bulbs - the first ever demonstration of
geothermal electricity generation. In 1911 the
Valle del Diavolo (Devil's Valley) was chosen as the site of what would remain the world's only geothermal power station for almost half a century. By 1913 a 250kW power station had been built which provided power for the Italian electric railway system.
Cold water is pumped down to super hot granite rocks located close to the surface. High pressure 200+ degree celcius steam is returned which turns turbines and generates electricity. Currently around one million homes are powered by
geothermal electricity from Landerello - almost 5,000 GWh per year, or 10% of the world's total geothermal electricity production.
Although
geothermal is a renewable energy source, eventually the hot rocks below the surface will cool. Since the 1950's the steam pressure from the Valle del Diavolo site has falled by 30%.
Article Last Modified: 14:07, 19th Jan 2007
Recommended Related Articles
People who read this article also enjoyed the following articles:
Introduction to GeothermalA brief introduction to Geothermal energy
Article Last Modified: 18:37, 25th Mar 2006geothermal | educationRelays and Renewable EnergyFind out more about relays and their uses in renewable energy applications
Article Last Modified: 15:16, 19th Sep 2008electric circuit | electronics | generalGeothermal Heat PumpFind out about using ground source heat pumps to heat your home
Article Last Modified: 14:03, 26th Feb 2008geothermal | energy efficiencySavonius Wind TurbinesWhat is a savonius wind turbine - savonius (VAWT)
Article Last Modified: 12:31, 23rd Jul 2008wind | educationMiniWind Wind TurbinesFind out more about the MiniWind range of wind turbines
Article Last Modified: 13:33, 1st Aug 2008wind | shoppingStar Delta Wiring for AlternatorsLearn about Star and Delta wiring for wind turbine and other alternators
Article Last Modified: 13:39, 10th Mar 2008education | wind | hydroWorlds Largest Solar Power PlantFind out about the world's largest photovoltaic solar power station
Article Last Modified: 17:04, 2nd May 2006solarIntroduction to Water WheelsFind out more about using the power of a waterwheel
Article Last Modified: 22:11, 11th Apr 2006hydroRun of River Hydro PowerHydro electricity generation without a dam
Article Last Modified: 14:35, 3rd Jan 2007hydroRainbow Power 300W Hydro Generator300 Watt 12/24 Volt hydro power generators from Rainbow Power
Article Last Modified: 15:09, 25th Jan 2007hydro | shopping
|
|
