Geothermal Energy Facts
Prince Piero Ginori Conti tested the first geothermal generator on 4 July 1904.
The largest group of geothermal power plants in the world is located at The Geysers, a geothermal field in California.
The Philippines and Iceland are the only countries to generate a significant percentage of their electricity from geothermal sources.
Geothermal steam and hot springs have been used for centuries for bathing and heating, but it was not until the 20th century that geothermal power started being used to make electricity.
Geothermal power is generated in over 20 countries around the world.
Geothermal Energy Facts
Understanding Geothermal Energy
It's important to understand what geothermal energy is and what it is not, the historical context of geothermal energy around the world, and where we will get our geothermal energy in the future. You will find the most current energy facts on this website.
Geothermal Energy 101
Geothermal energy or geothermal power is energy generated from heat stored in the earth, or the collection of absorbed heat derived from underground.
Geothermal resources range from shallow ground to hot water and rock several miles below the Earth's surface, and even further down to the extremely hot molten rock called magma.
Geothermal power requires no fuel, and is therefore virtually emissions free and insusceptible to fluctuations in fuel cost.
Geothermal Energy 201
The most common type of geothermal power plants are closed cycle operations and release essentially no Greenhouse gas emissions; geothermal power is available 24 hours a day with average availabilities above 90%.
In 1960, Pacific Gas and Electric began operation of the first successful geothermal power plant in the United States at The Geysers. The original turbine installed lasted for more than 30 years and produced 11 MW net power.