Geothermal energy

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Fig.1 Geothermal resource favorability and identified hydrothermal sites
Fig.2 A cross-section of the Fervo Enhanced Geothermal System. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracking allows for larger extraction of energy from a hot zone near the surface. Water flows from an injection well through the fractured rock to a production well running parallel.

Geothermal energy is energy extracted from the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface by means of water (or steam) circulating in deep wells. The threat of global warming from CO2 emissions has stimulated great interest in generating electricity from this clean, steady, and unlimited source of heat energy. The heat can also be used directly to replace fossil fuels in heating homes and buildings. Nations like Iceland, with favorable geology have made geothermal energy their primary source of heat and electricity. The problem for other areas of the world is that the heat is buried too deep. Recent progress in drilling technology has revived hope that geothermal energy may become a big part of the world's energy solution.

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