Geothermal energy refers to the inner heat of Earth. As an energy source, it is widely known for its reliable, weather-independent and renewable nature. It is commonly used in many countries for power generation purposes and heat applications including heat pumps. At the same time, geothermal energy generates significant socio-economic and environmental benefits when compared to other energy sources.
Geothermal energy comes from the inner heat of Earth, which originates mostly from the decay of radioactive elements. The heat flows towards the surface and presents a great source of energy for us. Temperature increases with depth, but not at a uniform rate. The ratio of the increase in heat and depth (geothermal gradient) is higher at places where the Earth’s crust is thinner and the heat source is closer to the surface. These locations offer good opportunities to utilise geothermal energy, but geothermal is a huge, practically inexhaustible energy source present all over the world. Within this module, the basic concepts of geothermal energy, and its use and classification are outlined. Potential more complex, innovative, utilisations like combining energy production with metal extraction are also discussed.
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Cover photo: © Tamás Miklovicz (for LPRC in 2018). Strokkur, Iceland.
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