Stationary Energy

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is produced by drilling into the crust of the earth to allow heat to escape either as steam or very hot water. Pipes carry the hot water to a plant where the steam generates electricity. The benefit of geothermal energy is that a very minor impact on the soil and produces only safe byproducts, slightly cooler water that is re-injected into the ground. Geothermal energy can be used as an efficient heat source in small end-use applications such as greenhouses. However, generation from geothermal sources is "site specific" because it only exists under unique geologic conditions. As a result, users have to be located close to the source of heat.

• Consumption:  U.S. consumption of geothermal power represents 0.34% of total energy consumption.

• Supply:  At the end of 2004, there were 43 power plants producing electricity from geothermal energy in the U.S. Most of these are located in California and Nevada. Utah also has two geothermal plants and Hawaii has one.