0% of global electricity is generated from Geothermal

Geothermal energy is an innovative and sustainable form of electricity derived from the Earth's internal heat. It's a clean energy source harnessed from hot water and steam reservoirs found below the Earth's surface. This natural heat is the result of radioactive decay processes and residual heat from the Earth's formation, continuously replenished, providing a seemingly inexhaustible energy supply. Geothermal resources are especially abundant in regions with significant tectonic activity, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it a highly reliable energy source in such areas. This type of energy provides consistent power generation, often unhampered by seasonal variations that affect the production of some other low-carbon energy sources.

To generate electricity using geothermal energy, several methods can be employed, such as dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle power plants. Dry steam plants draw steam directly from geothermal reservoirs to spin a turbine connected to a generator. Flash steam plants utilize water at temperatures over 182°C (360°F) from deep within the Earth, which is depressurized to produce steam, which then powers the generator. Lastly, binary cycle power plants use heat from water at lower temperatures to boil a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point, which then vaporizes and drives a turbine. These systems are designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly, seamlessly converting the Earth's innate heat into electricity.

One of the notable advantages of geothermal energy is its low carbon intensity. With emissions averaging 38 gCO2eq/kWh, geothermal is a significantly greener alternative compared to fossil fuels. In stark contrast, coal, oil, and gas have much higher carbon intensities of 820, 650, and 490 gCO2eq/kWh, respectively. Geothermal, along with other low-carbon technologies like wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh), nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), and solar (45 gCO2eq/kWh), plays an instrumental role in combating climate change by ensuring clean and sustainable electricity generation.

Geothermal energy, although contributing to only 0.29% of global electricity generation, represents a remarkable commitment to clean energy in several countries. For instance, Iceland derives almost a third (29%) of its electricity from geothermal sources. This model of sustainable energy usage is mirrored globally, albeit on a smaller scale, with New Zealand obtaining 22% of its electricity from geothermal, Nevada with 8%, California with 4%, and Costa Rica with 11%. These examples highlight the substantial role geothermal can play in national energy portfolios, offering a more sustainable future through reliable and clean energy production.

The development and expansion of geothermal energy across the globe highlight the importance of investing in various clean energy technologies. Alongside the continued growth of solar and nuclear energy, geothermal power is a vital piece of the puzzle in reducing global carbon footprints and ensuring robust, diversified energy solutions. As the world moves towards broader electrification, including the needs from expanding AI capabilities, the demand for clean electricity will only increase, underscoring the necessity to harness every low-carbon opportunity available to safeguard our planet's future energy needs.