Geothermal energy is using the heat from earth, which is clean and sustainable. Geothermal energy can be derived from the shallow ground, hot water, and hot rock found behind earth’s surfaces.
During the 20th century, Iceland has went from being one of Europe’s poorest countries to one, where almost all the energy used is derived from renewable resources. In 2014, 66% of Iceland’s primary energy came from geothermal sources. Iceland has the perfect geological position, because it is one of the most dynamic volcano regions in the world, the moving plates bring heat to the surface. The geographical volcanic position and the research done by scientists and specialists to use this geological advantage, has made Iceland the leader in geothermal energy use.
Iceland has no national grid, because they get their energy simply from drilling into the ground. To generate electricity through geothermal energy the power plants need to drill only a few kilometers under ground. In Iceland this heat exists naturally because of their location and the hot steam present due to volcanic activity. Almost 90% of the people in Iceland rely on geothermal heating. The abundanant sources of hot underground water allow for this country to highly rely on geothermal techniques for energy and heat.
There are many advantages to geothermal energy. Geothermal energy has very low costs, typically saving one about 80% compared to fossil fuels. One of the main advantages, is that there is no pollution being created, which leads to a cleaner environment and reduced global warming.
http://www.nea.is/geothermal/
http://www.icelandontheweb.com/articles-on-iceland/nature/geology/geothermal-heat
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Advantages_GeothermalEnergy.php