In this carefully edited text, the contributing authors each develop a specific area relating to the possible uses of geothermal energy and their effects on a community, taking into account the prevailing social and economic conditions. Features include a comprehensive introduction to the nature, classification and distribution of geothermal resources; coverage of the exploitation and utilisation of geothermal energy and the resulting environmental impact; description of geothermal electricity generation, including the technical features and economic considerations for geothermal plants; study of the various forms of non-electric uses, from space and district heating and cooling to agriculture, aquaculture and a number of industrial applications; and useful self-assessment question and answer sections at the end of each chapter. This book gives a concise but complete description of geothermal phenomena and will appeal to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in power engineering, mechanical engineering and physics who wish to further their knowledge in geothermal applications. Power engineers with no geological background will also find this text an invaluable reference source.