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Share of global electricity
[ 38, 230 ] gCO2eq/kWh Carbon Intensity

Geothermal-and-biofuels represent a unique combination of energy sources that contribute to global electricity generation. Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth's internal heat, tapping into steam or hot water reservoirs below the Earth's surface to produce power. Biofuels, on the other hand, are produced from organic materials such as plant or animal waste and provide a renewable energy source when combusted. When these two technologies are used together, they offer a low-carbon, sustainable option for electricity generation, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and their associated environmental impacts.

The process of generating electricity with geothermal energy typically involves drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs to bring hot steam or water to the surface, which is then used to drive turbines connected to electricity generators. Biofuels can be used in various ways - either burned directly for heat and power, or processed into bioethanol or biodiesel for use in power plants. Together, geothermal-and-biofuels offer a versatile approach to electricity generation, allowing for continuous, low-carbon power production. Although they currently generate close to none of the world's electricity, they demonstrate the potential for growth alongside more dominant low-carbon sources like wind, nuclear, and solar.

One of the key advantages of geothermal-and-biofuels is their relatively low carbon intensity compared to traditional fossil fuels. Geothermal energy, in particular, stands out with emissions as low as 38 gCO2eq/kWh. Although biofuels have a higher carbon intensity at around 230 gCO2eq/kWh, they are still significantly lower than coal and oil. This is part of a broader trend where low-carbon technologies, including wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh), nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), and solar (45 gCO2eq/kWh), provide a much cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, which have carbon intensities as high as 820 gCO2eq/kWh for coal. Embracing these cleaner technologies is crucial to mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution.

While geothermal-and-biofuels currently generate a small fraction of the global electricity supply, their use in certain regions showcases their potential integration into a larger low-carbon energy strategy. Sri Lanka, for example, generates about 1% of its electricity from geothermal-and-biofuels, contributing to the nation's broader clean energy initiative. The global average for these sources remains relatively modest, indicating an area ripe for further development and investment as part of efforts to expand clean and sustainable electricity generation.

The expansion of reliable and low-carbon energy sources, such as geothermal-and-biofuels, alongside leading solutions like wind, nuclear, and solar, is paramount in our quest to electrify the world's future while reducing our carbon footprint. Each of these technologies offers unique benefits and collectively strengthens the global energy landscape. Promoting growth in these areas will not only meet increasing electricity demands but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and clean energy future. The push for more low-carbon electricity is a fundamental step toward transforming the world's energy systems and addressing the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation.

Country/Region kWh/person % TWh
Sri Lanka 7.1 W 1.0% 0.2 TWh
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