Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte explains
At Ennatuurlijk Geothermal we get a lot of questions about what exactly geothermal heat is and how it works. A clear answer to the most frequently asked questions about geothermal heat generation can be found in our animated series 'Ennatuurlijk Geothermal Explains'. We explain step by step how we extract geothermal heat from the earth and use it to heat your home sustainably. Watch the animations and become a heat guide.
What’s the deal with geothermal energy and earthquakes?
When people hear “geothermal energy,” they sometimes think of earthquakes. But is that really true? This short animation explains in a simple way what happens underground, how risks are kept low, and why geothermal energy is actually a safe and sustainable source of heat.
Discover how smart technology and strict rules help us use the Earth’s heat in a responsible way. Curious? Watch the animation and find out how it really works!
How long can we use geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy seems endless, but how does it really work? This animation shows how we can keep using heat from deep underground, sometimes for 30 to 50 years. You’ll see how the system stays in balance, why good maintenance is super important, and how smart technology helps make sure the source doesn’t run out. Geothermal energy isn’t something you use once and throw away, it’s a smart and sustainable investment in the future. Want to know how it works? Watch the animation and learn how we use the heat under our feet in a safe and clever way.
Doesn’t it cool down?
A question many people ask: if you pump cold water back into the ground, doesn’t the heat run out? This animation explains why that’s not the case. You’ll discover how the smart two-well system works, how the Earth stays warm from the inside, and how experts make sure the water has enough time to heat up again. With good design and clever software, geothermal energy stays a reliable source of sustainable heat, for many years.
What can you see from geothermal energy above ground?
Geothermal energy comes from deep underground, but what do you actually see above ground? Surprisingly little. This animation shows how geothermal systems are compact, quiet, and clean. They fit well in neighborhoods and business areas, sometimes even as part of a park or a nice building. Because the system is closed, it’s safe and friendly for the surroundings. And with a bit of creativity, it can even look great. Curious what that looks like? Watch the animation and discover how geothermal energy works, both above and below the ground.
What types of geothermal energy are there?
Did you know there are different types of geothermal energy? This animation shows how deep we can drill, what techniques are used, and what the heat can be used for, from shallow systems for homes to deep sources for greenhouses and businesses. There are even experiments with super-hot rocks in other countries. You’ll learn why not everything is possible everywhere, and how the Netherlands makes smart choices for safe and sustainable heat. Curious about the options? Watch the animation and discover the different types of geothermal energy.
Heath from the earth
We want to move away from coal, gas and oil and towards energy that does not impact our planet. Geothermal heat, also known as geothermal energy, is a technology that extracts local and sustainable heat from the underground to heat homes and businesses. The naturally occurring hot water is pumped up from underground. The heat is extracted from it. The cooled water flows back into the same layer of earth where it can warm up again. Want to know more about geothermal heat and how it works? Then watch this animation.
Harnessing heat
We can use our earth's heat for our own demand. The earth's shell is hard and cooled, but beneath it flows liquid magma. The deeper you go into the earth, the higher the temprature becomes. In the Netherlands, it is about 3 degrees per 100 metres. At a depth of 2,500 metres, the temperature is above 85 degrees. And that is more than enough for our homes and much of industry. Want to know more about geothermal heat and how it works? Then watch this animation.
Geothermal energy
The total energy, in the form of heat, coming from a geothermal doublet is completely renewable. No combustion has taken place. So there is no emission of CO2 or other negative impact. These techniques have been studied for decades and are already being used to extract oil and gas. Want to know more about geothermal heat and how it works? Then watch this animation.
How does it work - part 1
To use the earth's heat, we need to drill to certain depths. The longer the water stays at depth, the warmer the water is. Water goes in through 1 well and out through another. Hence, we look for ground layers at great depth, where water can easily find a way in. Want to know more about geothermal heat and how it works? Then watch this animation.
How does it work - part 2
Using a drilling rig, we drill to a depth of 2,500 metres. The first piece with a large diameter, then we place a metal pipe. Then we insulate the layers and the pipe with cement on the outside. Once we are at depth, we place an inner tube through which we can inject water. We do the same on the other side but we use that to produce. Wondering how that works? Then watch the animation on geothermal heat.
From the community
The geothermal system is a closed system where water circulates under fixed and tightly controlled conditions. It involves large amounts of heat that can heat 5 to 10 thousand homes for each geothermal doublet, which is what an injection and production well is called. A doublet up to 2,500 metres, with a volume flow of 250 cubic metres per hour, generates about 15MWh. However, hot water cannot be transported efficiently over long distances. Homes or industry will have to be near the source, within a 20-kilometre radius. Heat from the neighbourhood, for the neighbourhood. Wondering how that works? Then watch the animation on geothermal heat.
Regulating
In one of the wells, we place a pump. The pump ensures that we get the water to depth and keep the pressure the same. This also allows us to control the heat supply by pumping slightly harder or softer. So in summer, when there is less demand for heat, we set the pump slower. In winter, when people turn on the heating, we turn up the pump. Wondering how that works? Then watch the animation on geothermal heat.
Surface
Aan de oppervlakte zie en hoor je weinig van een aardwarmte doublet. Alles past op een oppervlak van minder dan 50 bij 50 meter. Mooi compact dus en met zo min mogelijk ongemak voor de omgeving. Benieuwd hoe het eruit ziet? Bekijk dan hier de animatie.