Alternative Energy Promoters

Geothermal is a great form of alternative energy.  Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because the heat is continuously produced inside the Earth. Volcanoes and gysers are examples of geothermal. Geothermal energy is generated in the Earth's core. People around the world use geothermal energy to heat their homes and to produce electricity by digging deep wells and pumping the heated underground water or steam to the surface. Naturally occurring large areas of hydrothermal resources are called geothermal reservoirs. Most geothermal reservoirs are deep underground with no visible clues showing above ground. But geothermal energy sometimes finds its way to the surface in the form of:

• Volcanoes and fumaroles (holes where volcanic gases are released)
• Hot Springs
• Geysers

Some applications of geothermal energy use the Earth's temperatures near the surface, while others require drilling miles into the Earth. The three main uses of geothermal energy are:

• Direct use and district heating systems use hot water from springs or reservoirs near the surface.
• Electricity generation power plants require water or steam at very high temperature (300° to 700°F). Geothermal power plants are generally built where geothermal reservoirs are located within a mile or two of the surface.
• Geothermal heat pumps use stable ground or water temperatures near the Earth's surface to control building temperatures above grounnd.