How is geothermal energy harnessed?

Geothermal energy is harnessed by extracting heat from the Earth's interior. This process involves tapping into the Earth's natural heat, which can be found in reservoirs of hot water and steam located beneath the surface. These reservoirs are formed due to the intense heat from the Earth's core and the decay of radioactive materials within the Earth.

The extraction of this heat typically occurs through geothermal power plants, where the steam or hot water is brought to the surface, where it can be used to drive turbines that generate electricity or provide direct heating for residential, commercial, and industrial use. The heat can also be harnessed for geothermal heat pumps, which can provide heating and cooling for buildings.

Understanding this process highlights the efficiency and sustainability of geothermal energy as a renewable resource, as it utilizes the consistent and reliable heat from the Earth rather than relying on variable sources such as solar or wind.