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Geothermal

Geothermal energy is the heat from the earth. This heat is used for bathing, to heat buildings, and to generate electricity. 

Many technologies have been developed to take advantage of geothermal energy:

  • Hot water or steam reservoirs deep in the earth that are accessed by drilling

  • Geothermal reservoirs located near the earth's surface, mostly located in the western U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii

  • The shallow ground near the Earth's surface that maintains a relatively constant temperature of 50-60°F.

This variety of geothermal resources allows them to be used on both large and small scales. A utility can use the hot water and steam from reservoirs to drive generators and produce electricity for its customers. Other applications apply the heat produced from geothermal directly to various uses in buildings, roads, agriculture, and industrial plants. Still others use the heat directly from the ground to provide heating and cooling in homes and other buildings.

​Geothermal Applications

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use the Earth's shallow ground temperature for heating and cooling. 

Electricity Production

Electricity production generates electricity from the earth's heat. 

Direct Use

Direct use produces heat directly from hot water within the earth.

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