Geothermal power plants utilize heat that lies below the surface of the earth to generate electricity The supply of heat is continually replenished from the center of the earth, making it a renewable resource Geothermal plants emit little air pollution and have minimal impacts on the environment
Geo (Earth) thermal (heat) Process in which the earth's energy is converted into heat and/or cooling energy Commonly achieved via a "geothermal heat pump system," which consists of pipes buried in the shallow ground near the building, a heat exchanger, and ductwork into the building In winter, heat from the relatively warmer ground goes through the heat exchanger into the house In summer, hot air from the house is pulled through the heat exchanger into the relatively cooler ground Heat removed during the summer can be used as no-cost energy to heat water