Definition
Heat energy generated from within the Earth.
Introduction
Geothermal energy is heat energy generated from within the bowels of the Earth. The word geothermal comes from the Greek word “γ,” which means Earth, and Greek word “θερμός,” which means hot. The heat from the Earth can be used in the forms of hydro-geothermal resources (steam or hot water) and petro-thermal resources (hot dry rocks) for heat supply or to produce electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable “green” source of energy because the heat of the Earth is practically unlimited and, mostly, environmentally friendly. Some benefits of geothermal energy are that it:
- 1.
Provides clean and safe energy using little land
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Is renewable and sustainable
- 3.
Generates continuous, reliable base load power
- 4.
Conserves fossil fuels and contributes to diversity in energy sources
- 5.
Avoids imports and benefits local economies
- 6.
Offers modular, incremental development and village power in remote sites
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References
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Svalova, V. (2018). Geothermal Energy. In: Bobrowsky, P., Marker, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Engineering Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12127-7_141-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12127-7_141-1
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