Ribeira Grande is a 15.8 MW geothermal power plant in Portugal, commissioned in 1994. It is operated by EDA and is one of only two geothermal plants in the country. This plant represents 54.86% of Portugal's total geothermal capacity of 29 MW. Ranked #1 of 2 geothermal plants in Portugal, Ribeira Grande's 15.8 MW capacity is equal to the largest geothermal plant in the country, which is also Ribeira Grande at 16 MW. This facility plays a significant role in the limited geothermal energy sector in Portugal. Nearby plants include Pico Vermelho (13 MW, Geothermal), Graminhais (9 MW, Wind), and Túneis (1.7 MW, Hydro). The plant is located in the Azores region, approximately 30 km from Ponta Delgada, the nearest major city.
32 years old
Portugal, Europe
- Primary Fuel Type
- Geothermal
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Portugal- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Geothermal power generation harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity. This renewable energy source exploits the thermal energy stored beneath the Earth's crust, which can be accessed through geothermal power plants. These plants typically utilize steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process begins by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, often located in tectonically active regions, where the temperature gradient is favorable for energy extraction. The steam or hot water extracted is then channeled to turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently transformed into electrical energy by generators.
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