Geothermal

The Earth contains within itself one of the most efficient heating systems. It has been in existence since the Earth itself. This is the Earth’s own core. The temperature at the Earth’s core is 6000 degrees centigrade. This is enough to melt rocks. This fact is quite important when one considered alternative energy sources.

Geothermal energy is based on this concept. Instead of burning fossil fuels to create heat, we could feasibly use the earth’s own natural heat. Digging to the core of the Earth isn’t needed. In fact only a few kilometres down the ground temperature is over 250 degrees centigrade. This heat can be harnessed for all kinds of purposes.

Geothermal energy is best used in areas where there is high volcanic activity. The higher temperatures are located much closer to the earth’s surface allowing for less extreme efforts to reach the heat source. Geothermal energy however can be used in other areas. It is estimated that the ground temperature increases 1 degree on the Celsius scale every 36 meters down. To use geothermal energy for heating purposes one would not have to dig down very far.

Geothermal energy works when a PowerStation is in place and has dug down to the area of hot rocks. This creates stream that then rises up. Once the steam reaches the surface it is used to drive turbines and creates power. The steam may occur on its own but some power stations actually pump water down to the hot rock layer to create steam.

Geothermal power can provide a viable new option for clean energy. Many nations around the world are converting and using geothermal energy. New Zealand currently leads the world in its use of geothermal energy with others slowly catching up.

Today we are all trying to find alternative energy sources. Geothermal energy is a way of heating and providing power using the Earth’s own heating system.