Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from under the ground. Deep inside Earth, it is very hot because of melted rock. That heat can warm water and turn it into steam. The steam can spin machines that make electricity. It can also heat homes and buildings.

Where It Is Found

Geothermal energy works best in places with hot rocks near the surface. Countries like Iceland and New Zealand have lots of it. Volcanoes and hot springs are signs of this heat. People drill wells to reach the hot water or steam below. Then the heat is sent up to the surface.

A power plant uses heat from deep underground to make electricity.
A power plant uses heat from deep underground to make electricity. (Jack Catalano / Wikimedia Commons)

How It Helps

This energy is clean because it does not burn fuel. It can work day and night, in any weather. In Iceland, many houses are heated using geothermal water. Some swimming pools are even warmed this way. It is a nice gift from inside our planet.

Fun Facts

  • Iceland gets about a quarter of its electricity from geothermal power.
  • The word geothermal means earth heat in Greek.
  • Hot springs have been used for bathing for thousands of years.

Did You Know?

Some homes use small geothermal systems to keep cool in summer and warm in winter.