Architectural Design of Geothermal Plants for Electricity Generation

  1. Jorge Pablo Aguilar Zavaleta

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Abstract

Geothermal energy, with a global installed capacity of 16.7 GW by 2023 and an annual generation of more than 97 TWh, is consolidating its position as a key pillar in the energy transition. From the pioneering Lardarello plant (1913) to The Geysers complex in California—the largest in the world with 1.5 GW of capacity—this energy source has demonstrated its potential to supply baseload electricity 24 hours a day, with a carbon footprint up to 10 times lower than fossil fuels. The article explores how the architectural design of these plants integrates geological, environmental, and technological factors. Systems such as binary cycles—which operate at 90°C and reduce emissions by 95%—allow the exploitation of low-temperature resources, expanding their applicability to non-volcanic regions. However, challenges remain: reservoir exploration is 30-40% uncertain, and initial costs exceed $4,500 per installed kW, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Iconic cases like The Geysers illustrate innovative solutions. Since 2003, its recharge project with treated wastewater (11 million gallons/day) has revitalized the reservoir, extending its lifespan by decades. This circular economy approach not only optimizes resources but also reduces water conflicts in arid areas. The future points to disruptive designs: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), which could increase global potential tenfold by enabling dry reservoirs, and urban heating districts with heat pumps, capable of providing heating at -20°C. By 2030, drilling innovations—such as smart drill bits and robotics—could reduce costs by 50%, accelerating adoption. In a world that needs to double clean energy by 2040, geothermal energy is emerging not only as a renewable source, but as an architectural canvas where engineering and sustainability converge to redefine the energy landscape. Its evolution will depend on creatively overcoming technical barriers, transforming the Earth's heat into the cornerstone of a decarbonized era.

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  1. PREreview

    This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a Structured PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/15354612.

    Does the introduction explain the objective of the research presented in the preprint? Yes Con datos estadísticos y unidades
    Are the methods well-suited for this research? Highly appropriate Comparativos con otro tipos de energía renovables mostrando la diferencia significativa
    Are the conclusions supported by the data? Highly supported Se puede obtener la diferencia al asumir una mejora en varios aspectos al utilizar energía geotérmica
    Are the data presentations, including visualizations, well-suited to represent the data? Highly appropriate and clear Los datos son de fuentes confiables
    How clearly do the authors discuss, explain, and interpret their findings and potential next steps for the research? Very clearly La precisión es muy destacada
    Is the preprint likely to advance academic knowledge? Highly likely El futuro de la humanidad se basará en evitar la contaminación
    Would it benefit from language editing? No Los ajustes serían mínimos
    Would you recommend this preprint to others? Yes, it's of high quality Es un tema innovador y con base
    Is it ready for attention from an editor, publisher or broader audience? Yes, after minor changes Más cuadros

    Competing interests

    The author declares that they have no competing interests.

  2. Version published to 10.20944/preprints202505.0141.v1