Glossary
Closed-loop system
A system where the working fluid (like water or steam) is continuously recycled and reinjected back into the Earth after use, minimizing waste.
Example:
Many modern geothermal power plants operate as a closed-loop system, returning cooled water underground to be reheated and reused.
Generator
A device that converts mechanical energy, often from a spinning turbine, into electrical energy.
Example:
When you pedal a bicycle connected to a small generator, you can light up a bulb, converting your pedaling motion into electricity.
Geothermal Energy
Heat from within the Earth, harnessed as a renewable energy source for electricity, heating, and cooling.
Example:
Iceland uses its abundant geothermal energy to heat homes and power industries, making it a leader in sustainable energy.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Systems that utilize the stable underground temperature of the Earth to provide efficient heating and cooling for buildings.
Example:
A homeowner might install a geothermal heat pump to reduce their energy bills by using the Earth's constant temperature instead of traditional HVAC.
Geothermal Power Plants
Facilities that drill into the Earth to access underground reservoirs of hot water or steam, using the heat to generate electricity.
Example:
The Geysers in California is a famous example of a large-scale geothermal power plant that has been generating electricity for decades.
Hydrogen sulfide
A toxic gas with a rotten egg smell that can be released during geothermal energy extraction, contributing to air pollution.
Example:
Workers near a geothermal vent might detect the distinct odor of hydrogen sulfide, indicating its presence in the emissions.
Methane
A potent greenhouse gas that can be released from geothermal reservoirs, contributing to atmospheric warming.
Example:
While less common than from fossil fuel extraction, some geothermal operations can release trace amounts of methane into the atmosphere.
Renewable Energy
Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.
Example:
Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources like wind power don't deplete over time and have a lower environmental impact.
Turbine
A machine that converts the kinetic energy of a fluid (like steam or water) into mechanical energy, typically used to spin a generator.
Example:
In a hydroelectric dam, the force of falling water spins a turbine, which then produces electricity.