Geothermal energy technology captures heat energy stored in the Earth’s crust and converts it into electric or heat energy. Geothermal resources can be tapped at multiple depths, ranging from low-temperatures in the shallow ground to hot rock and water found several miles below the surface of the Earth, to molten rock (magma) found even deeper. Hot water and steam can be captured to drive a turbine and generate electricity. However, the most common application of geothermal energy is found in shallow heat exchange pumps, referred to as ground-source heat pumps, that transfer energy from the ground and use it to provide heating, cooling, and/or hot water services. Read more.
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