Geothermal Energy And Its Applications As Renewable Resource : A Review

Abstract

Geothermal energy, is the energy stored within the earth as heat, is a topic which has garnered attention in the recent past because of its potential as a powerful energy resource. Though present technologies for geothermal energy capture are limited to regions with very geologic specific conditions, progress is being made towards technologies which could help to capture a greater portion of this energy resource without the necessity of such geologic conditions. Geothermal energy is often cited as being a ‘green’ energy source with low environmental impact, and while the environmental impact differs from site to site, this generally holds true when compared to other energy resources.

Although the earth’s stored heat, its theoretically finite, its large amount (12.6 x 10²⁴ MJ) makes geothermal energy practically a renewable energy that can theoretically sustain the energy needs of mankind many times.

In this paper, geothermal energy, geologic conditions which concentrate this energy, methods of capturing geothermal energy, and uses of geothermal energy will be discussed.