Flash steam plants are the most common type of geothermal plant in operation today. These plants use hot water, with temperatures between 360°F and 700°F, which is pumped at high pressure. As the hot water is pumped into the generating equipment the pressure is reduced which allows some of the hot water to flash into steam. The steam then streams into the turbine which powers the generator. After passing through the turbine the steam condenses and is pumped back into the ground along with the water that did not flash upon initial depressurization.
