Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy taken from the Earth’s core. It comes from heat generated during the original formation of the planet and the radioactive decay of materials. This thermal energy is stored in rocks and fluids in the centre of the earth.

Geothermal Energy - Geyser EruptingThe difference between the temperature in the earth’s core and the surface drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy from the centre to the exterior of the planet.

High temperatures of over 4000°C cause some of the rock in the centre of the Earth to melt and form hot molten rocks called magma. These heats also cause the mantle to behave plastically and portions of it to convect upwards, since it is lighter than the surrounding rock.

The rock and water in the Earth’s crust can reach heats of around 370°C.

Thermal energy contained in the rocks and fluids can be found from shallow depths right down to several miles below the Earth’s surface.