GEOTHERMAL

Geothermal energy uses the heat of the earth and is contained in underground reservoirs of steam, hot water, and hot dry rocks. Most of the higher temperature geothermal resources are in the Western part of the U.S. Moderate to lower constant temperature resources can found in all areas of the country.
Geothermal energy production produces much lower air emissions than conventional energy technologies.
Hot water or steam that is extracted from geothermal reservoirs in the Earth's crust is supplied to steam turbines at electric utilities that drive generators to produce electricity and research in all areas of geothermal development is helping to lower costs and expand its use.
Geothermal hot water near the Earth's surface can be used directly for heating buildings and as a heat supply for a variety of commercial and industrial uses, particularly favored for greenhouses and aquaculture.
Geothermal heat pumps, or ground-source heat pumps can be used anywhere and use the relatively constant lower temperature of shallow ground, geothermal resources as a heat source and sink for a heat pump, which provides heating and cooling for buildings.