Where is geothermal energy used
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Global Utilization of Geothermal Energy
Introduction to Geothermal Energy Applications
Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth's internal heat, is a versatile and sustainable energy source. It is utilized in various forms, including direct applications and electricity generation. This article explores the global usage of geothermal energy, focusing on its direct applications across different sectors and regions.
Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy
Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) are the most significant application of geothermal energy, accounting for a substantial portion of its direct use. These systems are employed for heating and cooling buildings, leveraging the stable temperatures underground to provide efficient thermal regulation. As of 2019, GSHPs represented approximately 58.8% of the total thermal energy used globally for direct applications1.
Bathing, Swimming, and Balneology
Geothermal energy is extensively used for recreational purposes, including bathing, swimming, and balneology. These applications utilize naturally heated water for health and relaxation. In 2019, around 18% of the thermal energy from geothermal sources was dedicated to these activities1.
Space Heating and District Heating
Space heating, particularly through district heating systems, is another major application of geothermal energy. District heating involves distributing heat from a central source to multiple buildings, providing an efficient way to heat urban areas. This category accounted for 16% of the global geothermal energy use in 2019, with 91% of this being for district heating1.
Agricultural and Industrial Applications
Geothermal energy is also employed in agriculture and industry. In agriculture, it is used for greenhouse heating, aquaculture pond heating, and agricultural drying. Industrial applications include process heating and other uses. These applications collectively represented a smaller but significant portion of the geothermal energy use, with greenhouse heating at 3.5%, industrial applications at 1.6%, and aquaculture heating at 1.3% in 20191.
Regional Utilization of Geothermal Energy
Europe
European countries have been at the forefront of geothermal energy utilization, particularly for heating and cooling applications. The region has invested significantly in geothermal systems, recognizing their potential for energy savings and environmental benefits3.
United States
In the United States, geothermal energy is primarily used for heat pumps, space heating, and recreational purposes. The installed thermal power in the U.S. was reported to be 1874 MWt, with significant energy savings and environmental benefits8.
Asia and Oceania
Countries in Asia and Oceania, including Japan, Indonesia, and Australia, have also made substantial use of geothermal energy. These regions have reported significant increases in geothermal energy utilization over the years, driven by both direct applications and electricity generation1 2.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Geothermal energy offers considerable environmental benefits by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The use of geothermal energy in 2019 prevented the release of 78.1 million tonnes of carbon and 252.6 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere1. Additionally, geothermal energy projects contribute to energy savings, equivalent to millions of barrels of oil annually2 4.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy is a valuable and sustainable resource with diverse applications worldwide. From heating and cooling buildings to recreational and industrial uses, its direct utilization continues to grow, driven by its environmental and economic advantages. As technology advances and investments increase, geothermal energy is poised to play an even more significant role in the global energy landscape.
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Direct utilization of geothermal energy 2020 worldwide review
Direct utilization of geothermal energy in 88 countries increased by 52% from 2015, with geothermal heat pumps accounting for 58% of total thermal energy use and reducing CO2 emissions by 252.6 million tonnes annually.
Literature Review
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Direct utilization of geothermal energy in 78 countries increased by 72% from 2005 to 2009, with energy savings amounting to 250 million barrels (38 million tonnes) of equivalent oil and preventing 33 million tonnes of carbon and 107 million tonnes of CO2 release annually.
Highly CitedGeothermal Source Exploitation for Energy Saving and Environmental Energy Production
Geothermal energy systems can provide energy savings, environmental energy production, and heating and cooling for buildings, increasing energy efficiency in conventional systems.
Direct utilization of geothermal energy 2015 worldwide review
Direct utilization of geothermal energy in 78 countries has significantly increased since 2005, with ground-source heat pumps accounting for nearly half of the total thermal energy used.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedWorld-wide direct uses of geothermal energy 2000
The global use of geothermal energy for direct utilization increased by 12% between 1995 and 2000, with 42% for bathing and swimming pool heating, 23% for space heating, 12% for geothermal heat pumps, and 5% for industrial applications.
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A comprehensive study of geothermal heating and cooling systems
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a reliable, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly energy source for various applications, including heating, cooling, and generating electricity.
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Direct utilization of geothermal energy in heating and cooling applications saves 3.65 million metric tons of oil equivalent per year, with the majority of use in space heating, bathing, and swimming, and 5% in fish and animal farming.
Direct application of geothermal energy : 2005 worldwide review
Direct geothermal energy usage in 2005 was 273,372 TJ/year (75,943 GWh/year), with a 43% increase over 2000, and a 7.5% annual compound growth rate.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedGeothermal energy: Power plant technology and direct heat applications
Geothermal energy has significant potential to reduce environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production, with potential for hybrid geothermal-solar-biomass configurations and direct heat applications in industry and households.
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