Maanlämpöenergia

Maanlämpöenergia, or geothermal energy, is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. The Earth's internal heat is derived from a combination of residual heat from its formation and the radioactive decay of minerals in the Earth's core and mantle. This heat can be harnessed for various applications, most notably for electricity generation and direct heating.

Geothermal power plants tap into this heat by drilling wells into underground reservoirs of steam or hot water. This heat is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. Different types of geothermal power plants exist, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle plants, each suited to different temperature and pressure conditions of the geothermal resources.

Direct use of geothermal energy involves utilizing hot water or steam directly for heating buildings, greenhouses, aquaculture farms, and for industrial processes. Geothermal heat pumps are another common application, leveraging the stable temperature of the Earth's shallow crust to provide efficient heating and cooling for buildings. These systems use a network of underground pipes to transfer heat between the ground and the building.

The availability and accessibility of geothermal energy vary geographically. Regions with significant volcanic activity or tectonic plate boundaries often have more readily accessible and higher-temperature geothermal resources. However, advancements in technology are making it possible to extract geothermal energy from a wider range of locations. Geothermal energy is considered a renewable and sustainable energy source with a low environmental impact compared to fossil fuels, producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions.