Geothermal power
Geothermal Power
08/30/2010
© Keblow
Deep below the surface of the earth, temperatures are very high. Both the earth's core and natural radioactivity generate extremely high levels of heat, which heat the water and steam contained in some rocks. The heat, water, and steam can be recovered to heat buildings or operate geothermal power plants.
Geothermal power has been used since ancient times in Roman baths and in Japan, with water from hot springs. Nowadays it is an energy source that can be used in various regions worldwide, particularly in volcanic areas. It generates few greenhouse gas emissions.
Geothermal resources can be reused by re-injecting geothermal water back into the rock and using it again once it has been reheated.
What is geothermal power?
Geothermal power uses underground heat to produce energy. It has different applications depending on the temperature of the geothermal water: heating, producing electricity or steam.
Geothermal heating
Low-energy geothermal power is used to heat buildings or industrial facilities. It uses underground heat and the heat of underground water, the temperature of which ranges from 20 to 90°C.
Geothermal electricity
Medium- and high-energy geothermal power can be used to produce electricity in specific plants, using water and steam at temperatures higher than 90°C. It also has industrial applications.
