Geothermal energy is heat energy generated and stored in the Earth. It can be used directly for heating spaces and water or to generate electricity. The three main types of geothermal power plants are flashed steam, dry steam, and binary cycle plants. Geothermal energy has many benefits like being renewable, reliable, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, it also has challenges like high initial costs and possible induced seismic activity from enhanced geothermal systems. Currently the largest users of geothermal energy are the United States, Philippines, and Indonesia, but its global capacity is growing as new projects are developed.