0% of global electricity is generated from Geothermal

Geothermal energy is heat from within the Earth, sustained by heat left over from the planet’s formation and the natural decay of radioactive elements in rocks. This underground heat provides a useful source of low-carbon electricity, as well as heat for buildings and industry. Geothermal resources are especially accessible in regions with volcanic activity, hot springs or naturally hot underground water.

To generate electricity, geothermal power plants bring hot water or steam from underground reservoirs to the surface through wells. The steam can drive a turbine connected to an electricity generator. In other plants, geothermal water heats a separate fluid with a lower boiling point, whose vapour drives the turbine. Water is typically returned underground after use, helping maintain the resource.

A major advantage of geothermal electricity is its low carbon intensity. Its average life-cycle emissions are about **38 gCO2eq/kWh**, according to the supplied IPCC figures, compared with **820 gCO2eq/kWh** for coal, **650 gCO2eq/kWh** for oil and **490 gCO2eq/kWh** for gas. Alongside wind, nuclear and solar, geothermal can help expand clean electricity generation while reducing the climate impacts and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Geothermal also provides dependable electricity around the clock, independently of sunshine or wind conditions. This makes it a valuable complement to solar and wind, while contributing alongside nuclear to a reliable low-carbon electricity supply. Steady geothermal generation can support growing electricity demand from electrification, industry and digital infrastructure.

Geothermal already demonstrates its value in several electricity systems. Using the supplied figures, it generates **26% of electricity in Iceland**, **22% in New Zealand** and **11% in Costa Rica**—roughly a quarter, more than a fifth and about a ninth, respectively. It also generates **8% of electricity in Nevada** and **4% in California**. These contributions show how local underground heat can become an important source of clean electricity.

Globally, geothermal generates about **0.46% of all electricity consumed**, or just under half a percent. Its compact surface footprint and use of domestic heat resources offer further advantages, helping diversify electricity supplies and support local employment. Expanding geothermal where resources are suitable, alongside greater deployment of solar, nuclear and wind, can strengthen a growing, low-carbon electricity system.