Valles geothermal plant
The Valles geothermal plant supplies heat to Martian habitats and is Paul’s workplace.
Setting
The plant is a physical network of production loops, housings, valves and distribution routes. Anika, Venn and the other crews inspect and operate it. Its available energy and its ability to deliver that energy are different questions.
In the book
The opening chapters establish the Valles network; Chapter 5 introduces the habitat representatives.
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The feel of the workplace
The opening visit describes steam columns, large housings and the vibration felt through boots. Inside, cooling metal and confined inspection spaces make the plant a physical workplace rather than a collection of readings.
Its people work at different scales. Anika inspects equipment, Venn coordinates night work and Hawksworth receives reports for Habitat Operations. Following them helps explain why the plant depends on shared expertise.