Geothermal Energy

Ian Gleisberg Chris Mason

What is geothermal energy?

• Geothermal energy is the thermal energy stored in the earth

• Earths core temperature is hotter than the surface of the sun

• By harnessing this heat in a manner to generate energy it has provided a great source of renewable energy.

How is it used

• Long pipes are drilled into the earth using large boring machines

• The heat is then pumped into houses or pools and used to heat them

Advantages and Disadvantages

• No fuel needed except for pumps

• Heat can be pumped directly into houses

• More than enough energy to supply all those who have access to it

• It could power a small village or an enormous city

• Could release poisonous gases into the air from underground

• Have to be near tectonic plate faults for it to work

• Expensive initial cost• Could trigger

earthquakes by drilling into the tectonic plates