Interesting Facts about Geothermal Energy

There’s so much to learn about geothermal energy, from how the steam is formed to how it is harnessed to produce power. Here are a few interesting facts we thought we should share.

Did you know

1. 1. The definition of geothermal is the “Earth’s Heat”

   2. The world’s first geothermal power plant was constructed in 1911 in Larderello, Italy, and continues to  generate power to the present day

   3. When one MWhr of geothermal power displaces one MWhr of coal-fired power, approximately one ton of carbon dioxide emissions is offset.

   4. Geothermal power plants generate base load power which meaning the plants operate 24/7

   5. One MW (equivalent to 1 million watts) can meet the power needs of about 800 homes

   6. Geothermal energy is used in more than 20 countries to generate electricity, including the USA, Japan, Italy,Indonesia, New Zealand, Mexico, the Philippines, Kenya, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua

   7. Iceland generates 17% of its electricity and 87% of its heating from geothermal energy

   8. Presently, the USA produces approximately 3,000 MW of electricity from geothermal sources – equivalent to electricity generated from burning 60 million barrels of oil each year

   9. Electricity generated by geothermal energy helps conserve non-renewable fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions that pollute our air and water

   10. 5% of California’s electricity production comes from geothermal energy

   11.  Geothermal energy is a clean, sustainable source for power generation and heat

   12. Geothermal power plants are immune to fuel price volatility. The power plants are designed to run 24 hours a day, all year. A geothermal power plant sits right on top of its fuel source. It is resistant to interruptions of power generation due to weather, natural disasters or political rifts that can interrupt transportation of fuels

   13. Kenya was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to exploit geothermal based power on a significant scale

   14. Kenya’s Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) instituted in 2000 recognizes geothermal as the best low cost energy option for the future.