Notes on the climate: Rescue from the depth?

The worldwide demand for energy implies an increasing challenge for energy supply with a view toward climate change. But within the earth itself there is an almost inexhaustible source of energy. On the bais of geophysical processes the core of the earth continuously radiates heat energy. There are estimates that about 100,000 times the present annual energy consumption is stored in the crust of the earth as (heat) energy. This contribution in the series "Notes on the Climate" deals with the state of development and the use of technological options as well as the potential of geothermal energy. Due to the base load capacity of the systems, expansion and extension of geothermal plants promise considerable environmental protection potential, as especially lignite and anthracite power plants could be replaced. And, in contrast to many other kinds of renewable energy, continuous line entry would not make a new organization of existing power networks necessary.