Energy Wonders of The World: The Geysers Geothermal Plant Complex

Around 75 miles north of San Francisco, along the Mayacama Mountain Range, sits one of the energy marvels of the world, The Geysers Geothermal Complex. With it's always-on functioning it remains to this day, the largest single renewable source of electricity within California.

Placed into service in 1960, it's the largest complex of geothermal power plants in the world, with over a dozen power plants operating across 45 square miles, providing 900 MW of electrical power.

The boldness of the Geysers came about in the 1950's when engineers recognized the potential in the region's active geothermal activity. The plant's pushed the boundaries of geothermal engineering, leading to innovations in drilling techniques and steam turbine technology that were considered marvels of their time.

How The Geysers Work

Approximately 2 miles below the surface, earth’s heat is trapped in rock layers. At The Geysers, water exists as rare "dry steam" within the rocks. To utilize this steam for electricity generation, engineers drilled deep wells. Piping was then put into place to transfer this high-pressure vapor into massive turbines. The steam’s force then spins the blades, powering generators for a steady flow of electricity.

Initially, the plant used only natural steam. As levels dipped, it evolved into a another marvel. A recycling marvel through which treated municipal wastewater was pumped back into the hot rocks. This water flashes into fresh steam, creating a sustainable, "always-on" loop of clean energy, that enabled the plant to continue to produce electricity.

A Proof-of-Concept For Modern Geothermal Breakthorughs

Companies like Fervo Energy (video below) are now building on this legacy, constructing geothermal systems that utilize advanced drilling and stimulation techniques to unlock energy resources in previously inaccessible areas.