In Greek, geo means “earth” and thermos means “heat”. Thus, geothermal energy comes from the heat of the earth.
The heat source is the magma which comes close to the earth’s surface in some places.
The heat in a geothermal system can be harnessed in the form of steam or with water as medium.
2. What elements compose a geothermal system?
A geothermal system can be likened to a covered pot filled with water. When heated, the water in the pot will boil and produce steam.
Four elements compose a geothermal system, namely:
3. What countries now use geothermal energy?
Not all the countries have geothermal energy – only those countries of volcanic origin and are located along the Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire have geothermal energy to tap.
In 1904, Italy became the first country to use geothermal energy to generate power. This geothermal field at Larderello is still operating and is a favorite tourist attraction.
With the onset of the oil crisis of 1973, countries, including the Philippines, resorted to utilizing indigenous sources of energy like geothermal energy.
The Philippines currently ranks # 2 in the world in terms of installed geothermal capacity while the United States ranks as # 1.
4. Where does the water that turns into steam come from?
Rainwater or “meteoric water” that fall on a forest or watershed often follows the roots of the trees and seeps down the cracks and fissures of the earth to the underground reservoirs.