Interest in geothermal energy is increasing. In all countries which have been affected by the energy crisis, the quest for indigenous sources of energy which would reduce dependence upon importation of fuel has taken a tremendous surge. Geothermal energy is abundantly available along plate boundaries, as shown through examples from the United States, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nicaragua, and Indonesia.

Geothermal power plants are in operation in about half a dozen countries at a cost which is economically competitive with other forms of energy. The environmental impact of geothermal energy is especially low when it is used directly for heating or cooling. At the same time, geothermal heat is most attractive economically when used for nonpower uses. Desalination and mineral extraction are other uses that may be made of geothermal power.

The total stored heat to a depth of 7.5 km is equivalent to 3 million billion barrels of oil. This is equivalent to 7,500 megawatt-years or 21 million tons of oil per square kilometer of the earth's surface. Even if only a very small fraction of the total resource base is ever utilized, it could provide energy equal to, or greater than, all currently known fossil-fuel reserves.

Examples of geothermal energy utilization from a number of countries are shown and discussed.

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