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Geothermal power makes use of heat from the interior of the Earth. This is the same energy which rises naturally to the Earth's surface in the form of hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes. Geothermal systems are located in areas where the Earth's crust is relatively thin. By drilling into the ground and inserting pipes, hot water or steam can be brought to the surface. In some applications, this heat is used directly to heat homes or provide process heat for businesses. In other areas, the steam is used to drive a turbine to generate electricity. The current production of geothermal energy from all uses places third among renewables, following hydroelectricity and biomass, and ahead of solar and wind. Despite these impressive statistics, the current level of geothermal use pales in comparison to its potential. The key to wider geothermal use is greater public awareness and technical support--two areas in which the Geo-Heat Center is very active. Geo (Earth) thermal (heat) energy is an enormous, underused heat and power resource that is clean (emits little or no greenhouse gases), reliable (average system availability of 95%), and homegrown (making us less dependent on foreign oil). Geothermal resources range from shallow ground to hot water and rock several miles below Earth's surface, and even farther down to the extremely high temperatures of molten rock called magma. Earth's energy can be converted into heat and electricity. The three technology categories are geothermal heat pumps, direct-use applications, and power plants. Where are geothermal sources located in the Western United States? |
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