0% of global electricity is generated from Geothermal

Geothermal energy is a form of energy derived from the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. This energy source taps into the internal heat created by geological processes such as the decay of radioactive substances and the original heat from Earth's formation. The heat is most accessible in areas with volcanic activity, geysers, or hot springs. By utilizing this natural heat, geothermal power plants can generate significant amounts of electricity without exhausting finite resources or emitting large quantities of greenhouse gases.

The process of generating electricity from geothermal energy primarily involves tapping into geothermal reservoirs beneath the Earth's surface. These reservoirs are typically accessed by drilling wells to reach hot water or steam located in these underground locations. The extracted steam or hot water is then channeled through a turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity. There are different types of geothermal power plants, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle power plants, each tailored to specific temperature conditions of the geothermal resources.

One of the significant advantages of geothermal energy lies in its low carbon intensity. With an average carbon intensity of 38 gCO2eq/kWh, geothermal energy emits minimal greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels like coal (820 gCO2eq/kWh) and gas (490 gCO2eq/kWh). This positions geothermal alongside other low-carbon energy technologies like wind, nuclear, and solar, which also have significantly lower emissions than fossil fuels. Expanding the use of such clean energy sources is vital for significantly reducing global carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.

Despite its current contribution to only a small fraction of the global electricity supply—at 0.29%—geothermal energy plays a significant role in the energy mix of several countries. For instance, close to a third of Iceland's electricity comes from geothermal sources, demonstrating the potential for this energy to fulfill substantial energy needs sustainably whenever geological conditions permit. In countries like New Zealand and El Salvador, geothermal accounts for 20% and 23% of the electricity supply, respectively, highlighting its significance in regions with abundant geothermal resources.

As we push for a transition to sustainable and low-carbon energy sources, geothermal energy, alongside wind, nuclear, and solar power, presents a viable option for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. New and innovative technologies in geothermal energy extraction and conversion may unlock further potential, making geothermal a cornerstone of future clean electricity generation. It represents a promising addition to the diverse portfolio of green energy technologies necessary to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable future.