Geothermal energy is a renewable and sustainable power source derived from the Earth’s internal heat. This energy originates from the planet’s molten core and the radioactive decay of minerals deep within the Earth. By tapping into this natural heat, geothermal energy systems provide electricity and direct heating with minimal environmental impact.
Geothermal power plants operate by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, extracting steam or hot water to spin turbines and generate electricity. There are three primary types of geothermal power plants: dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle, each designed to utilize varying temperature ranges and geothermal conditions.
Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy is not weather-dependent and offers a consistent power supply, making it a reliable option for base-load electricity. Additionally, geothermal systems produce very low greenhouse gas emissions and have a smaller land footprint than traditional power plants.
Countries like Iceland, the Philippines, and New Zealand lead in geothermal energy utilization, demonstrating its potential for widespread adoption. As technology improves and costs decrease, geothermal energy is set to become an even more significant contributor to global renewable energy efforts.