POWER FROM HEAT

Did you know that December is declared as National Energy Consciousness Month?

Before we light up the sky as we welcome the new year, allow us to present to you the energy from deep within the earth — the geothermal energy.

Geothermal Energy is a renewable energy source. Its name comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). The energy is derived from the heat within the earth that is a result of constant friction of the rocks along the margins of continental plates and from the radioactive decay of materials. To tap this energy, wells are drilled several kilometers underground for steam and water. The heat is then brought to the surface through an intricate system of pumps and pipelines. 

Geothermal energy is widely used as an electricity source, particularly in the Philippines. In other countries, geothermal energy is extremely helpful for space heating from residential to industrial buildings. It is also used in melting snow and ice in critical areas like highways and greenhouses.

The Philippines is among the top geothermal energy producers in the world. Its strategic position allows it to have extensive potential for geothermal resources. Initiatives to put up geothermal power plants in the country started in 1962 with the geothermal studies conducted by the then Commission on Volcanology. By 1977, the country had its first commercial geothermal electricity in Tongonan, Leyte. At present, several geothermal energy power plants are already operating in many parts of the country with many more plants in the development stage. 

Find out more about geothermal energy and many other renewable energy resources at the NMNH Gallery 3. Book your next visit through this website.

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Text and image by the NMP Geology and Paleontology Division

© National Museum of the Philippines (2021)