What is geothermal power and how is it utilized?
Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy derived from heat deep in the earth’s crust. This heat is brought near to the earth’s surface by thermal conduction and by molten magma moving into the earth’s crust from great depths. As groundwater is heated, geothermal energy is produced in the form of hot water and steam. The resulting heated groundwater can be used for the heating of homes and greenhouses, for vegetable drying, and for a number of other uses. These are known as direct uses of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is also used indirectly for electricity production. Geothermal power generation is used today throughout the world where good geothermal resources exist, including many locations in the western United States. In fact, “Central Oregon may contain some of the best prospects for geothermal exploration in the continental United States” and the US Forest Service is investigating utilizing the Newberry Volcano for such purposes in the Deschutes National Forests. Cl
