What Is Geothermal, What Is Geothermal Energy Used For?
Geothermal, which is a combination of the words "geo" (earth) and "thermal" (heat), refers to the hot water and steam underground. Geothermal energy describes the energy obtained by utilizing this underground hot water and steam. This energy is typically used for various purposes such as heating and electricity generation.
Geothermal energy is commonly used in the following areas:
- Electricity generation: Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity by bringing steam or hot water to the surface. Geothermal power plants generate electricity by rotating turbines using steam.
- Heating and cooling: Geothermal energy can be used to heat or cool buildings by utilizing underground hot water or steam. Geothermal heat pumps can utilize underground heat to heat or cool buildings.
- Greenhouse heating: Geothermal energy can also be used for growing plants in greenhouse environments. By directing underground hot water or steam to greenhouse systems, ideal temperature and humidity levels can be maintained inside the greenhouse.
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because it is an endlessly replenishing resource within the Earth. Additionally, its environmental impacts are often less than fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing environmental sustainability.
