Lanzarote’s geothermal energy: its geological origins and its possibilities for electricity generation. Talk by Dr Roger Trend,
About 60% of the world’s electricity comes from fossil fuels, almost all the rest coming from nuclear, hydro, solar and wind. Less than 0.3% is generated from geothermal energy, despite it being a renewable resource that is not dependent on weather or water. Geothermal is easiest in volcanic regions, as you’d expect. The Canary Islands is a chain of 8 main volcanic islands with massive geothermal heat flow and, indeed, active volcanoes. Lanzarote is the 4th largest. What is the geology underpinning Lanzarote’s geothermal energy and what is the potential for clean electricity generation?
Nearly all of the world’s geothermal electricity generation involves extracting hot fluids from the rocks to drive turbines, or by pumping down fluids which get heated, but that’s a non-starter on Lanzarote because the island’s high heat flow areas are within Timanfaya National Park. Turbines are noisy, obtrusive and polluting. Besides, the hot rocks are relatively dry anyway. It’s actually a Hot Dry Rocks field, one of the best in the world for electricity generation. Current research is exploring how innovative solid-state thermoelectric generator devices can be used for electricity generation within the National Park.
Roger taught geology, geography and science in UK state schools for 20 years and then worked in university education departments for another 20 years: Sheffield, Exeter, Oxford.
As an academic he taught and undertook research, including the role of Head of Teacher Training at Exeter. Most of his teaching involved teacher training and most of his research focused on Earth science education. He has written quite a few articles, chapters and books and edited various book series and journals.
He’s been a consultant for Usborne on about 50 children’s Earth science books. He has written a few small books for Sidmouth Museum and also “The Island of Volcanoes: a guide to Lanzarote geology and landscape” which was published In Spain last year in English, Spanish and French.