SWOT analysis of geothermal power plants

Abstract

Electricity generation from geothermal resources is achieved through various power plant technologies, including flash steam plants (single, double, or triple), binary cycle systems (ORC or Kalina), dry steam plants, back-pressure turbines, and combined plants that integrate multiple cycles. The selection of the power plant type is primarily determined by the temperature and characteristics of the resource, along with efficiency considerations of each technology. However, each type of plant presents its own set of challenges and advantages. This study employs a SWOT analysis to identify and evaluate the specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats relevant to each plant type. A case study is presented from the Alasehir geothermal field in western Anatolia, Turkiye. Furthermore, the research provides an in-depth technical perspective on power plant technologies and their implications for resource management. The findings indicate that although combined geothermal power plants offer the highest efficiency, substantial changes in the resource can lead to significant reductions in operational efficiency due to the use of specialized equipment. In contrast, binary power plants demonstrate greater operational stability and safety from both resource management and operational perspectives.