Geotermisistä

Geotermisistä refers to geothermal energy, which is heat originating from within the Earth. This internal heat is generated by the radioactive decay of minerals and residual heat from the planet's formation. Geothermal energy can be harnessed in various ways, primarily for electricity generation and direct heating applications.

Geothermal power plants tap into underground reservoirs of hot water or steam. This hot fluid is brought to the surface, where its thermal energy is used to drive turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. There are several types of geothermal power plants, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle plants, each suited to different temperature and pressure conditions of the geothermal resource.

Direct use applications of geothermal energy involve utilizing the heat directly without converting it to electricity. This can include heating buildings, greenhouses, aquaculture farms, and even industrial processes. Geothermal heat pumps are a common example, using the stable temperature of the shallow earth to provide heating and cooling for buildings.

The accessibility and viability of geothermal resources vary geographically. Areas with volcanic activity or tectonic plate boundaries often have the most readily accessible and highest-temperature geothermal resources. However, advancements in technology are making it possible to exploit geothermal energy in a wider range of locations. Geothermal energy is considered a renewable energy source because the Earth's internal heat is constantly replenished.