0.3% of global electricity is generated from Geothermal
What is Geothermal?
Geothermal energy is energy made by heat inside the Earth's crust. The heat is used to heat water or another working fluid, which is then used to turn a turbine. The turbine turns a generator which makes electricity.
Is Geothermal a low-carbon energy source?
Yes, due to its relatively low lifecycle emissions, Geothermal is considered to be a low-carbon energy source.
The median estimate of lifecycle emissions from Geothermal is 38 gCO2eq / kWh. Where do our emissions numbers come from?
| Wind | 11 gCO2eq / kWh | Low-carbon |
| Nuclear | 12 gCO2eq / kWh | Low-carbon |
| Hydropower | 24 gCO2eq / kWh | Low-carbon |
| Geothermal | 38 gCO2eq / kWh | Low-carbon |
| Solar | 45 gCO2eq / kWh | Low-carbon |
| Biofuels | 230 gCO2eq / kWh | Low-carbon |
| Gas | 490 gCO2eq / kWh | High-carbon / fossil fuel |
| Oil | 650 gCO2eq / kWh | High-carbon / fossil fuel |
| Coal | 820 gCO2eq / kWh | High-carbon / fossil fuel |
Geothermal compared to other low-carbon energy electricity sources
Most significant producers of electricity from Geothermal
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