Geothermal energy

[jason.p]

It surprises me that in this age of interest in alternative energy sources that there does not seem to be as much interest in geothermal as there is in, say, wind energy. I appreciate that this depends a lot on the local geology, but I'm sure the drilling technology is sufficiently advanced, and although probably expensive initially the energy supply is then practically limitless and free.
There is also the advantages of less pollution and visual impact.
I know there are a few projects around the UK and that other countries eg.US, France and New Zealand seem to have done a lot of work, but what appears to be such a good idea doesn't get much publicity.

[Symmetryigr8]

It does in Iceland, but not many countries lie on fault lines, most are beneath the oceans, and even then most fault lines are too dangerous to build a power facility on. Any kind of earth quake, tremor and eruption and the first thing to be damaged is your power supply, not very good logistics.

[jason.p]

Yes, Iceland are indeed fortunate to have their geothermal source so close to the surface, but there is still a heat differential even a few metres below the surface. I believe the French have drilled down several kilometres and pump down water that comes back up as superheated steam to drive turbines.