Geothermal - Energy
 

" What is geothermal energy ? " 

The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). So, geothermal energy is heat from within the earth. We can use the steam and hot water produced inside the earth to heat buildings or generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because the water is replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced inside the earth.

" How can I benefit from geothermal energy ? "

Some applications of geothermal energy use the earth's temperatures near the surface, while others require drilling miles into the earth. The three main uses of geothermal energy are:

1)   Direct Use and District Heating Systems which use hot water from springs or reservoirs near the surface.

2)  Electricity generation in a power plant requires water or steam at very high temperature (300 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit). Geothermal power plants are generally built where geothermal reservoirs are located within a mile or two of the surface.

3)  Geothermal heat pumpsuse stable ground or water temperatures near the earth's surface to control building temperatures above ground.