Based on a geothermal power station where superheated underground water and steam drive a turbine connected to an electrical generator:
(i) Name the component of the power station where the thermal (heat) energy of the steam is converted into kinetic energy. (ii) Name the component where kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy.
A step-up transformer at the station's substation increases the voltage from 15 kV15\text{ kV}15 kV to 135 kV135\text{ kV}135 kV before transmission. (i) State the equation linking power, current, and voltage. (ii) Compare the input current and the output current of the transformer. Assume there are no energy losses in the transformer. (iii) State one advantage of transmitting electricity at high voltages.
Geothermal energy extraction produces hazardous geothermal wastewater (brine) containing dissolved heavy metals and dissolved gases. Describe three key difficulties or environmental problems associated with the disposal or management of this wastewater.
