The amount of heat within 10,000 metres of the earth's surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all the oil and natural gas resources in the world.
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Energy Source: GeothermalGeothermal energy is produced from naturally occurring steam and hot water trapped in reservoirs under the surface of the earth (usually about 500 to 2,000 metres below the surface). The energy from this heat can be used directly to heat home or indirectly to generate electricity. Geothermal energy has been used for a century. It is cost effective and reliable but not that easy to find at high temperatures, unless you happen to live in a volcanic region. Capturing and Using GeothermalThe most common current way of capturing the geothermal energy is to tap into naturally occurring hydrothermal convection systems containing pressurized hot water or steam. These are forced to the surface and used to drive steam turbine generators, or used to heat hot water or air for space or water heating. Benefits
Challenges
Global Status and PotentialGeothermal energy is used widely in Iceland, the Philippines, Italy, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Japan and China. Iceland relies on geysers as its primary source of heat. The United States is the world's largest producer of geothermal electricity with 2,800 MW in service. More than 75 countries have geothermal heating capacity; more than 20 have geothermal electricity capacity. More than 1 GW of geothermal power was added to the global renewable energy equation between 2000 and 2004.
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