I. Overview of Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy (from the Greek words geo [earth] and therme [heat], thus 'earth heat' energy) is a domestic energy resource with cost, reliability, and environmental advantages over conventional energy sources. Energy from this source comes from the renewable source of heat from deep in the Earth (diagram: A). Heat is brought up to near the surface by thermal conduction (diagram: B) and magma. This heat heats ground water to form …showed first 75 words of 823 total…

…showed last 75 words of 823 total…very deep into the Earth to harbor heat needed for geothermal energy to be utilized; this is not cost effective). The second is that, although geothermal energy will quickly pay for itself, it is relatively expensive to start a geothermal plant, which would include testing land, building, tunneling, etc. The last problem is that the heat's earth-passageways corrode and need maintenance and up-keeping work, which may lower the appeal and efficiency of this energy source.