Can geothermal energy be combined with solar energy?

7. Discussions and suggestions In order to achieve hybrid solar and geothermal power plants, both geothermal resources and solar energy are needed at the same location. Fortunately there are many places worldwide with high geothermal heat flux and surface solar radiation present simultaneously (see Fig. 12).

Are geothermal and solar power systems mutually beneficial?

In particular, hybrids of geothermal and solar power systems (e.g. photovoltaic and concentrated solar power) have been shown to be mutually beneficial and a promising combination of renewable energy sources.

How can geothermal and solar power systems be improved?

The quality of both geothermal and solar energies may be upgraded by optimizing the hybrid configurations and by heating up the low-temperature geothermal fluids with solar energy. Hybrid solar-geothermal systems may perform better than stand-alone geothermal or solar power systems in terms of economic profit and thermal efficiency.

Is there a synergy between geothermal and solar energy modes?

It was found that there is no synergy between geothermal and solar energy modes on a design power comparison basis. Specifically, the hybrid plant produces 29% less net power than the combined single energy mode plants.

Can geothermal energy be combined with another renewable technology?

For the purpose of this piece, however, we are specifically looking at systems that combine geothermal energy with another renewable technology. Three primary possibilities are: Geothermal co-production with solar PV is a natural pairing and several geothermal operators have switched over to this model.

Can solar thermal power be integrated into enhanced geothermal systems?

The integration of the solar thermal power plant into enhanced geothermal systems is challenging in combining geothermal sources with no sufficient geothermal energy operating a single geothermal power plant. Solar thermal power reduces the storage needs and the equipment costs.