maanlämpöenergian

Maanlämpöenergia, also known as geothermal energy, is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. The Earth's core is so hot that it can melt rock, creating magma. This heat is constantly produced by the slow decay of radioactive particles in the Earth's mantle. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that can be used for heating, cooling, and electricity generation.

The Earth's temperature increases with depth. In some areas, this heat is close enough to the surface to be accessed directly. Geothermal energy can be harnessed through various methods. Geothermal power plants tap into underground reservoirs of steam or hot water to drive turbines and generate electricity. These plants are typically located in volcanically active regions where the heat is most accessible.

Another common application is direct use, where hot water or steam is used directly for heating buildings, greenhouses, aquaculture, and industrial processes. Geothermal heat pumps are also widely used for residential and commercial heating and cooling. These systems utilize the stable temperature of the Earth a few feet below the surface to transfer heat, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems.

The environmental benefits of geothermal energy are significant. It produces very low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, and its operational footprint is generally smaller than other energy sources. While initial investment costs for geothermal facilities can be high, the long-term operational costs are often lower, and the energy source is abundant and constant.