Maanlämmön

Maanlämmön, also known as geothermal energy, refers to the heat originating from the Earth's interior. This heat is a result of residual heat from the planet's formation and the radioactive decay of minerals. Geothermal energy can be accessed in various ways, depending on the temperature and depth of the heat source.

The most common application of maanlämmön is for heating and cooling buildings through geothermal heat pumps. These systems utilize the stable temperature of the ground, typically between 7 to 15 degrees Celsius, to transfer heat. In winter, heat is extracted from the ground and transferred into the building, while in summer, heat is extracted from the building and dissipated into the ground. This makes geothermal heat pumps a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems.

At higher temperatures and depths, geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity. This involves drilling wells to access hot water or steam reservoirs. This hot fluid is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. Geothermal power plants are a renewable energy source that can operate continuously, providing a reliable baseload power supply.

Geothermal resources are not uniformly distributed across the globe. Areas with volcanic activity or thin crusts tend to have more accessible and higher-temperature geothermal resources. However, even in regions with less pronounced geothermal activity, ground-source heat pumps are a viable and increasingly popular technology for sustainable heating and cooling. The utilization of maanlämmön represents a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.