Geothermal energy taps the vast heat stored beneath Earth surface. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal provides constant baseload power, making it a valuable complement to variable renewable sources in clean energy systems.
How Geothermal Works
Geothermal power plants use steam or hot water from underground reservoirs to drive turbines. Heat pumps can extract lower-temperature heat for building heating and cooling. Enhanced geothermal systems extend the technology beyond natural hot spots.
Global Capacity
Global geothermal capacity exceeds 16 GW, led by the United States, Indonesia, Philippines, and Kenya. Iceland generates 25% of its electricity and heats 90% of buildings with geothermal energy.
Direct Use Applications
Geothermal heat directly warms buildings, greenhouses, and fish farms in many countries. District heating systems distribute geothermal warmth to entire communities. Industrial processes use geothermal steam for food drying and other applications.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems
New drilling technologies and enhanced geothermal systems can access heat almost anywhere by injecting water into hot dry rock formations. This innovation could dramatically expand geothermal potential beyond volcanic regions.
Environmental Benefits
Geothermal power produces minimal emissions—about 5% of coal power lifecycle emissions. Plants have small land footprints. Heat extracted from underground is continuously replenished over human timescales.
Future Potential
With technology advances, geothermal could provide 3-5% of global electricity by 2050. Combined heat and power applications multiply benefits. The constant availability of geothermal complements variable renewables in decarbonized grids.