definition
strict definition
geothermal power plant
A facility for generating electric power by harnessing heat energy from the earth's crust.
A geothermal power plant is a facility which converts natural heat from the earth's interior into usable electricity. This type of plant is most common in areas where high geothermal activity exists close to the earth's surface, especially volcanic zones.
Natural heat from within the earth supplies the generating process. A plant that merely burns a fuel near a hot spring is not geothermal generation on that basis.
The output must be usable electricity. Direct use of geothermal heat for warming buildings is a different function, while volcanic settings are common rather than mandatory.
Related definitions
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coal-burning power plant
A facility that generates electricity by converting energy released through coal combustion. -
heat generation
A central facility generating heat for distribution to other structures, usually through hot water or steam. -
hydroelectric power plant
A facility for generating electric power by harnessing naturally flowing water. -
natural gas power plant
A facility generating electricity by burning natural gas, a methane-rich fossil fuel. -
nuclear power plant
A facility generating electricity from nuclear fission or fusion, usually with a reactor and associated supporting facilities. -
oil-burning power plant
A facility generating electricity by burning petroleum fuel and converting the released energy. -
solar power generation
A photovoltaic generating site, generally supplying electricity to a utility grid rather than only its host structure. -
tidal power harnessing
A facility generating electricity from the regular movement of ocean water caused by the tides. -
waste burning power plant
A facility for generating electric power by burning garbage and waste products. -
water/hydrogen power plant
A facility generating electricity from the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, with water formed as a product. -
wind power generation
Electricity generation from wind turbines, including freestanding turbines and qualifying installations on other structures. -
wood-burning power plant
A facility that converts energy released by burning wood into usable electric power.