New Horizons for Geothermal Energy

Abstract

The geothermal heat resource is not limited the way fuel or iron or other materials are. But the low efficiency of geothermal power systems is unsatisfying and contributes to often-poor economics. To improve efficiency, engineers could look for a different thermodynamic cycle in the power plant. And, the economics can be improved by developing a facility whereby geothermal heat and electricity is the by-product of a process to produce lithium.