Harnessing geothermal energy

• Geothermal energy is derived from heat in the Earth's crust
• It can be harnessed in tectonically active areas
• Beneath Earth's surface, hot rocks heat up groundwater
• Steam that is formed is harnessed to generate electricity
• Locals benefits from cheaper electricity produced locally
• Locals can be employed to work in the geothermal power plants
• Examples

  • Most of Iceland's electricity is generated from geothermal power because of the large number of volcanoes in the country
  • In Northen California, the Geysers geothermal field produces enough electricity to meet the power demands of San Francisco