Geothermal Resources CouncilP.O. Box 1350 Davis, California, United States

It is the thermal energy contained in the rock and fluid (that fills the fractures and pores within the rock) in the earth's crust.

Calculations show that the earth, originating from a completely molten state, would have cooled and become completely solid many thousands of years ago without an energy input in addition to that of the sun. It is believed that the ultimate source of geothermal energy is radioactive decay occurring deep within the earth (Burkland, 1973).

What is Geothermal?

Geothermal Basics: Q&A (PDF) (GEA)
Assessment of Moderate- and High-Temperature Geothermal Resources of the United States (PDF)(USGS National Geothermal Resources—Fact Sheet)
Geothermal Energy (PDF) (International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III – Special Report on Renewable Energy)
Geothermal Energy, Clean Sustainable Energy for the Benefit of Humanity and the Environment (PDF) (Energy and Geoscience Institute - University of Utah)
Geothermal Energy - Clean Power From the Earth's Heat (PDF) (USGS)
The Future of Geothermal Energy (DOE - EERE)
Geothermal Handbook: Planning and Financing Power Generation (PDF) - World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP)

The Geothermal Resources Council

With the experience and dedication of its diverse, international membership and a 40-year plus track record, the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has built a solid reputation as the world’s premier geothermal association. 

The GRC is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational association 501(c)(3). Formed in 1970, the GRC was incorporated in the state of Washington in 1972 and in California in 1981. With more than 1,300 members in over 40 countries, the GRC actively seeks to expand its role as a primary professional educational association for the international geothermal community. The GRC serves as a focal point for continuing professional development for its members through its outreach, information transfer and education services.

GRC Goals

The goals of the GRC are to:

• Encourage worldwide development of geothermal resources through the collection and timely distribution of data and technological information.
• Promote research, exploration and development of geothermal energy in ways compatible with the environment.
• Serve as a public forum for the world geothermal community, providing transfer of objective and unbiased information on the nature of geothermal resources and techniques of geothermal development.
• Cooperate with national and international academic institutions, industry and government agencies to encourage economically and environmentally sound development and utilization of geothermal resources.