IntroductionGeothermal energy is one of the most important renewable energy resources available.2 Other examples of important renewable resources are wind energy, solar energy and hydroelectric power.2 The use of geothermal energy is used effectively throughout the world. As of 2012, the United States leads all other countries in the world with installed geothermal energy capacity.1 The United States has taken advantage of this energy resource by installing geothermal power plants in nine states. 1 The states in which geothermal power plants are used are located in the western United States.1 The state of California is where the United States concentrates its geothermal energy capacity.1 As of 2005, California had more geothermal capacity than any other country in the world.1 California has 25 regions. of geothermal resources.3 The state of Nevada also has significant production in the United States with 22 energy plants in operation; it is in this country that there are more geothermal power projects underway than any other state.1 In addition to the fact that the United States is increasing its geothermal power generation projects; Experts believe that geothermal power plants will experience rapid growth in the near future.2Geothermal power generationGeothermal power generation is often involved in regions where there is volcanic activity or where it is seismically active.3 Energy produced is the heat that comes from the earth.3 Most power plants that produce electricity use steam to turn the turbine and then activate the generator which then produces electricity. The steam supplied generally comes from the combustion of fossil fuels.4 However, geothermal power plants do not receive their steam from fossil fuels, but rather from...... middle of paper ......During the rise of water from the earth, hazardous gases can also be emitted, such as hydrogen sulfide, arsenic and mercury.9ConclusionGeothermal power plants are an excellent resource to use in regions where the earth's heat is naturally present. When considering what is cleaner for the environment or safer for the atmosphere and human well-being, geothermal energy has proven to be useful to countries and different regions around the world. If one is willing to pay a high price and drill extreme distances to produce geothermal energy, the benefits can be numerous. Although the benefits may be a positive and environmentally benign influence, large amounts of land may be consumed and permanently occupied. Countries around the world continue to evaluate and decide on the effectiveness of geothermal power plants on the environment and on populations..