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Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored within the Earth, originating mainly from planetary formation and radioactive decay. It can be used directly for heating and industrial processes or converted into electricity. Geothermal resources are especially abundant near tectonic plate boundaries, where heat is more accessible through hot springs, hydrothermal reservoirs, and deep wells. Unlike weather-dependent renewable sources, geothermal power plants can operate continuously and provide reliable baseload electricity. Electricity is generated through dry-steam, flash-steam, and binary-cycle plants. Conventional hydrothermal systems use naturally occurring hot water or steam, while engineered geothermal systems improve or create reservoirs in hot rock through techniques such as fluid injection or closed-loop circulation. Geothermal energy has low greenhouse-gas emissions and is considered renewable when extraction rates remain below the natural rate of heat replenishment. However, high drilling costs, geological uncertainty, scaling, and the risk of induced seismicity can affect project feasibility. Beyond energy production, geothermal development can support employment, local infrastructure, heating, agriculture, desalination, and industrial activity.
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