The potential solution for abundant and clean energy could be right under our feet or more specifically, beneath the Earth's surface. Geothermal power has long been the forgotten sibling among renewable energies, even though it provides dependable electricity in places like Iceland and California. Now, that is beginning to change.
A recent U.S. pilot set records for heat flow and output, demonstrating that Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) can provide steady, dispatchable power without relying on rare minerals, extensive land use, or the intermittency issues associated with solar and wind. According to the International Energy Agency, the Earth's accessible heat could technically meet humanity's electricity needs 140 times over yet geothermal gets overshadowed in public discussions.
"If geothermal can follow in the footsteps of innovation success stories such as solar PV, wind, EVs, and batteries, it can become a cornerstone of tomorrow's electricity and heat systems as a dispatchable and clean source of energy," the agency said.
