Question

What is geothermal energy, and what are two ways it is being harnessed?

Short answer

Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth's internal heat, which comes from the radioactive decay of minerals and the earth's original formation. It can be harnessed in two ways: 1) Geothermal power plants that generate electricity by using Earth’s heat to produce steam which spins a turbine, and 2) Geothermal heat pumps that use the Earth's near-surface consistent temperature to heat and cool buildings.

Step-by-step solution

Defining Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that is gained from the Earth's internal heat. This heat comes from the radioactive decay of minerals and continuous heat loss from the earth's original formation.

Harnessing Geothermal Energy - Method 1

The first method to harness geothermal energy is through geothermal power plants. These plants use heat from deep within the Earth to generate steam, which spins a turbine that drives an electricity generator.

Harnessing Geothermal Energy - Method 2

A second method for harnessing geothermal energy is through geothermal heat pumps. They use the Earth's near-surface consistent temperature to heat and cool buildings. They transfer heat from the ground (or water) into buildings in winter and reverse the process in the summer.