Geothermal Energy 2

I. Overview of Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy (from the Greek words geo [earth] and therme [heat], thus 'earth heat' energy) is a domestic energy resource with cost, reliability, and environmental advantages over conventional energy sources. Energy from this source comes from the renewable source of heat from deep in the Earth (diagram: A). Heat is brought up to near the surface by thermal conduction (diagram: B) and magma. This heat heats ground water to form …

…very deep into the Earth to harbor heat needed for geothermal energy to be utilized; this is not cost effective). The second is that, although geothermal energy will quickly pay for itself, it is relatively expensive to start a geothermal plant, which would include testing land, building, tunneling, etc. The last problem is that the heat's earth-passageways corrode and need maintenance and up-keeping work, which may lower the appeal and efficiency of this energy source.