Geothermal Electricity

Geothermal power plants use high-temperature water or steam (300 to 700 degrees F) from under the earth’s surface to power generators and create electricity. Wells are drilled into the earth (up to two miles deep) to pipe the water or steam to the surface. Geothermal power plants are generally built where geothermal reservoirs are close to the surface. In the United States, there are 33 geothermal plants in California, 14 in Nevada, and one each in Hawaii and Utah.

Geothermal reservoirs in New Hampshire are too far underground to access for geothermal electricity generation.

 Geothermal Advantages

• Simple technology
• Inexpensive power source
• Offsets the use of fossil fuels

 Geothermal Limitations

• Only viable in areas with ideal geothermal conditions
• Deep drilling may be required
• Potential for environmental damage in some locations