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Part of the Climate Change exhibition.
Humans have long enjoyed bathing in natural hot springs, with waters warmed deep underground. But the heat generated within our planet—geothermal power—can do so much more. Geothermal plants use steam released from hot springs and geysers to turn turbines, creating electricity. In new, enhanced geothermal systems, engineers drill down to hot spots underground—around 200°C (about 400°F)—and inject water themselves, capturing steam as it is released.
According to some experts, enhanced geothermal power plants may provide the United States with about 5 percent of its electricity by 2050.
Iceland is home to many volcanoes and geysers. So it's no surprise that the country depends on the reliable warmth bubbling up to the surface: 90 percent of Icelandic homes are heated by geothermal power.