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Geothermal Energy
This renewable energy source uses heat that is deep within the earth. This heat energy from molten rocks underground produces hot water and steam. The steam drives turbines that generate electrical energy. The hot water can be piped to homes. The use of geothermal energy is inexhaustible and will last as long as the Earth. The use of geothermal energy was pioneered in Italy in 1904.
Geothermal energy can also be used as a source of heat for direct heat for space heating greenhouses, aquaculture, and with heat pumps. The United States and the Philippines account for half of the world generating capacity.
Geothermal energy is an ideal source of heat for greenhouses, especially in northern countries, such as Russia, Hungary, Iceland, and the United States. Fish farms also use this energy to produce fish in a shorter period of time.
The potential of future geothermal energy use is greatest in countries that border the Pacific, a region known as the Ring of Fire. These include several South and Central American countries, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
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