What is Geothermal?

Geothermal energy rises from the earth

You cannot avoid hearing about renewable energy these days.  From the new Administration in Washington to the Stimulus Package being considered, to concerns about global warming.  Freeing ourselves from burning fossil fuels is a global priority.  Among the various green energy options, you may have wondered what is geothermal?

Lucky you.  I live in an area of the United States that is rich in geothermal resources.  Coupled with my interest in green topics, I am a virtual expert on this topic!  Don’t believe me?  O.K., then go find the answer to your question elsewhere.

Yes, I know.  I sound like I am full of hot air.  Well, maybe that’s appropriate since geothermal energy is basically trapped hot gases and steam that is released from within the earth.  Used to power turbines, it can produce clean, renewable energy to power our lives.

I found this video to be concise and helpful in explaining how a geothermal power plant works:

Watch out for the Geothermal area!

So, let’s break this down a bit for the average Joe.  Geothermal literally means “heat from the earth.”  Unlike fossil fuels (which are also harvested from underground), geothermal is clean and renewable.  Using geothermal energy does not result in the release of greenhouse gases.  It does not contribute to global warming.  Because it comes from heated magma and water underground, we are not in danger of over-drilling or depleting the energy source, because rainwater continuously replenishes groundwater resources that give us geothermal energy.

Wikipedia also has an answer to the question “what is geothermal,” in part, as follows:

“The Philippines and Iceland are the only countries to generate a significant percentage of their electricity from geothermal sources; in both countries 15-20% of power comes from geothermal plants. As of 2008, geothermal power supplies less than 1% of the world’s energy. The most common type of geothermal power plants (binary plants) are closed cycle operations and release essentially no GHG emissions; geothermal power is available 24 hours a day with average availabilities above 90% (compared to about 75% for coal plants).”

Even if you are not convinced about the idea of geothermal energy, you have to watch this beautiful video from Iceland:

If you have ever seen a volcano, a geyser or hot springs, you have seen this infinite resource in action.  In fact, you may be prepared to inform other people about what is geothermal!  Those of us that live on the West Coast – and Hawaii – may be most familiar with geothermal energy.

Do not despair if you live elsewhere!  In a future post, we’ll go through the logistics and issues with siting a geothermal plant and further explain why this green, renewable energy resource is worth tapping into.