Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) Resources
Geothermal Basics. Get a plain language introduction to geothermal energy, its benefits and growth potential, and how the GTO advances geothermal technologies.
Electricity Generation. Learn how different kinds of power plants tap into geothermal resources. The United States has the most electricity-generating geothermal capacity in the world, including the largest geothermal field: The Geysers. Just north of San Francisco, California, Calpine Corporation operates 13 geothermal power plants that collectively generate 725 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power a city the size of San Francisco! Learn how geothermal steam is turned into energy, and explore the historic timeline at The Geysers and find out how to book a tour.
What is Geothermal? Fact Sheet. Download this fact sheet to learn what this source of energy is, what it provides, and how we can harness the heat beneath our feet for heating, cooling, power generation, and energy storage.
What are Geothermal Heat Pumps? Fact Sheet. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are efficient systems for heating and cooling that can be installed in all 50 states. Learn how GHPs work, what types of GHP systems are available, and seven reasons why GHPs might be a perfect solution for your heating and cooling needs.
GTO’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Can we run out of geothermal energy? What student opportunities are there in geothermal energy? What is the visual impact of geothermal technologies? Find answers to these questions and more in GTO’s FAQs.
Lithium Storymap. Explore this interactive resource to find out how geothermal energy can help us secure a domestic supply of lithium, a critical material vital to the nation’s energy future.
Other Resources
Geothermal Resource of the United States: Map from the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Energy Kids – Geothermal. Aimed at kids, this site appeals to audiences of all ages and covers geothermal basics, where geothermal can be found, uses of geothermal energy, geothermal power plants, geothermal heat pumps, and geothermal energy and& the environment.
Energy Explained – Geothermal. The adult version of the Energy Kids site above.
Energy Resources and Lesson Plans. View lesson plans, videos, and other resources focused on geothermal in this vetted collection.
DOE Energy 101: Geothermal Heat Pumps. An energy-efficient heating and cooling alternative, the geothermal heat pump (GHP) system moves heat from the ground to a building (or from a building to the ground) through a series of pipe "loops." This edition of Energy 101 explores the benefits of GHPs and the science behind how they can help you stay comfortable.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Geothermal Well Storymap. Take a journey down a geothermal well to learn what Earth's subsurface looks like, how drilling a well works, and how deep we drill to harness the earth's heat and bring it back to the surface for power generation.
GeoBridge. Learn how geothermal can be used for power production, heating, and cooling, and find out more about exciting new technologies that can bring geothermal to Americans nationwide.
