Geothermal energy content for this section provided in part by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Department of Energy. Geothermal heat pumps can tap into this resource to heat and cool buildings. Almost everywhere, the shallow ground or upper 10 feet of the Earth’s surface maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60F. Geothermal Energy Market Potential – A newly-released report by Research and Markets explores the factors associated with utilizing the actual potential of geothermal energy, covering all the technological details, along with issues and challenges faced during the utilization of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy can be tapped either at or near the surface, or from magma miles below the Earth’s surface. Free energy from the earth.