| Abstract |
Geothermal energy has been used for centuries for bathing, cooking and space heating. More recently district heating and industrial processing along with geothermal heat pumps have become part of the directuse mix. Geothermal electric power generation was started in Italy in 1904, with the first commercial plant on line in 1913. Total the installed capacity for direct use is 28,268 MWt producing 75,943 GWhJyr in 72 countries. The installed capacity for electric power is 8,933 MWe generating 56,786 GWhJyr in 24 countries. Energy savings amount to an equivalent 270 million barrels (41 million tonnes) of fuel oil. |