Interest in geothermal energy, a sustainable and low-emission power source, is climbing as it offers a reliable solution to continuous electricity generation worldwide, according to a recent article by a University of North Dakota scholar.
By Moones Alamooti
Amid rising energy demands and global warming, the potential of geothermal energy has gained significant attention. This energy source, which utilizes the Earth’s heat, offers the promise of uninterrupted, eco-friendly power, circumventing the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
Recent engineering advancements have bolstered geothermal’s appeal, attracting substantial investments, such as the US$1.7 billion in public funding during the first quarter of 2025, a notable increase from the previous year’s $2 billion, according to Wood Mackenzie.
Geothermal’s Unique Advantages
Geothermal energy harnesses subterranean heat to consistently generate electricity and provide heating. Unlike other renewable sources, it operates continuously, delivering reliable power with minimal emissions through closed-loop water systems.
Projects such as Fervo Energy’s Cape Station in Utah exemplify geothermal’s potential. Expected to deliver 100 megawatts of carbon-free power by 2026, the project aims to reach 500 megawatts by 2028, following various technical enhancements since inception.
Exploring Different Geothermal Technologies
Geothermal energy can be extracted using various methods:
Hydrothermal systems leverage natural heat, water, and permeable rock formations. Concentrated in geologically active regions like California and Nevada, this method is also prevalent in Iceland and the Philippines.
Enhanced geothermal systems mimic natural hydrothermal processes by injecting fluids to create fractures in hot rocks, enabling heat extraction. Recent research has improved drilling speeds and reduced costs, enhancing this method’s viability.
Ground source heat pumps capitalize on stable underground temperatures for heating and cooling, offering a more efficient alternative to air-source heat pumps.
Direct-use applications utilize geothermal heat for industrial and agricultural processes, with global installations delivering over 100,000 megawatts of thermal capacity.
Geothermal’s Expanding Role
In the U.S., geothermal energy accounts for about 0.4% of current energy production, but its potential is vast. Converting abandoned oil and gas wells into geothermal sites could significantly expand energy availability. In Utah’s Beaver County, for instance, new projects are transforming the area into a geothermal hub, supplying electricity as far as California.
However, geothermal energy faces challenges, including high drilling costs and seismic risks from enhanced systems. Emissions, while low, can include hydrogen sulfide, though modern abatement systems capture most of it.
Despite these hurdles, geothermal’s long-term energy delivery capability offsets initial investments, as demonstrated by projects like Fervo Energy’s, which proceed without government subsidies.
Original Story at blogs.und.edu