Innovative Geothermal Energy System Offers Sustainable Power Generation Solution

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Kirsehir Ahi Evran University has introduced an innovative geothermal electricity generation system that enhances energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This system, which employs advanced heat transfer mechanisms, has shown significant improvements in power output and energy efficiency compared to traditional geothermal power plants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The innovative system achieved a net power output of 43,210 kW and an energy efficiency of 30.03%, surpassing the conventional Kalina cycle's typical 10.30-19.48% range.
  • The system's annual electricity generation was 11,138.53 MWh, with an initial investment of USD 3.04 million and a short payback period of 3.20 years.
  • A comparative assessment confirmed the system's superior thermoeconomic performance, with a streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) showing a carbon footprint of 20-60 kg CO2 eq MWh-1, corresponding to annual emissions of 0.22-0.67 kt CO2 eq.
  • The system exhibited a water footprint of 0.10 m3 MWh-1, which was substantially lower than the values reported for fossil technologies.
  • Multi-objective optimization using NSGA-II was carried out to maximize energy and exergy efficiencies while minimizing total cost.
  • Key parameters such as turbine inlet temperature (459-460 K) and ammonia concentration were tuned for performance stability.

Statistics:

  • Net power output: 43,210 kW
  • Energy efficiency: 30.03%
  • Annual electricity generation: 11,138.53 MWh
  • Initial investment: USD 3.04 million
  • Short payback period: 3.20 years
  • Carbon footprint: 20-60 kg CO2 eq MWh-1
  • Annual emissions: 0.22-0.67 kt CO2 eq
  • Water footprint: 0.10 m3 MWh-1

Sources:

  • Optimization-Based Exergoeconomic Assessment of an Ammonia-Water Geothermal Power System with an Elevated Heat Source Temperature. Energies, 2025,18(19):5195. (Energies - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies).
  • Kirsehir Ahi Evran University Researcher Updates Understanding of Sustainability Research (Optimization-Based Exergoeconomic Assessment of an Ammonia-Water Geothermal Power System with an Elevated Heat Source Temperature). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 31, 2025; p 200.