Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy is heat (thermal) derived from the earth (geo). It is the thermal energy contained in the rock and fluid (that fills the fractures and pores within the rock) in the earth's crust.

In most areas, this heat reaches the surface in a very diffuse state. However, due to a variety of geological processes, some areas, are underlain by relatively shallow geothermal resources.

These resources can be classified as low temperature (less than 90°C or 194°F), moderate temperature (90°C - 150°C or 194 - 302°F), and high temperature (greater than 150°C or 302°F). The uses to which these resources are applied are also influenced by temperature. The highest temperature resources are generally used only for electric power generation.

Uses for low and moderate temperature resources can be divided into two categories: direct use and ground-source heat pumps.

Direct use, as the name implies, involves using the heat in the water directly (without a heat pump or power plant) for such things as heating of buildings, industrial processes, greenhouses, aquaculture and resorts. Direct use projects generally use resource temperatures between 38°C (100°F) to 149°C (300°F). .

Ground-source heat pumps use the earth or groundwater as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. Using resource temperatures of 4°C (40°F) to 38°C (100°F), the heat pump, a device which moves heat from one place to another, transfers heat from the soil to the house in winter and from the house to the soil in summer.

The key to wider geothermal use is greater public awareness and technical support.

Latest Geothermal Energy news AlternEnergy Launches in Oldham 19/10/2008 FT Gordon electrical conttactors in Oldham announce the opening of their new renewable division - AlternEnergy. The company will be specialising in the installation of heat pumps. Air to water heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and solar solutions are provided.... Simply Renewable sponsors Highland Housing Fair 30/06/2008 simply renewable Ltd - proud sponsors of the highland housing fair. Scotland's First Housing Fair 1st to 31st August 2009 Inverness The Highlands of Scotland is staging a major housing fair to showcase the best of hou... Energy Performance revolution in the Outer Hebrides 07/04/2008 To understand the concept behind Greenspace, you don't have to under­stand the technology — which is just as well. Even someone with a fairly advanced understanding of computer systems would be left baffled by a pro­gramme which conducts &... 1st Professional qualification in renewable energy launched 20/03/2008 A Scottish college, Lews Castle College in Stornoway has secured a major coup by winning approval for Scotland's only professional qualification in renewable energy, with hundreds of on-line students from around the country expected to sign up.... UK's first science degree in sustainable construction 15/03/2008 A new science degree in sustainable construction, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is due to be launched by the University of the Highlands and Islands in September of this year. ... Sustainable Construction degree designer joins UBC Group 15/03/2008 Kenneth MacLeod, formerly the subject network leader at Inverness College UHI has joined the the successful Scottish construction and civil enegineering company - the UBC Group, as Managing Surveyor. Welcoming Kenneth  to...

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