Maanlämpöön

Maanlämpöön refers to geothermal energy, which is thermal energy generated and stored within the Earth. This heat originates from the Earth's formation and the radioactive decay of minerals. Geothermal energy can be harnessed in various ways, primarily for electricity generation and direct heating.

In geothermal power plants, steam or hot water from underground reservoirs is used to drive turbines that generate electricity. Different types of plants exist, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle power plants, each suited to different temperature and pressure conditions of geothermal resources. The extraction of geothermal fluid is typically done through wells drilled deep into the Earth's crust.

Beyond electricity, geothermal energy is widely used for direct heating applications. This includes heating buildings, greenhouses, and swimming pools, as well as for industrial processes. Geothermal heat pumps are a common technology for residential and commercial heating and cooling. These systems utilize the stable temperature of the shallow subsurface to transfer heat, requiring less energy than conventional heating and cooling methods.

The utilization of maanlämpöön is considered a sustainable energy source because the heat extracted from the Earth is constantly replenished. However, challenges can include the geographical limitations of suitable resources, the initial investment costs for infrastructure, and potential environmental concerns related to the release of dissolved gases or induced seismicity, although these are generally managed through careful planning and advanced technologies.