This story was originally published by The Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.
Beneath the Earth’s crust lies a boundless reservoir of heat waiting to be tapped into for clean energy production. While geothermal energy extraction has historically been restricted to specific areas where underground heat is close to the surface, technological advancements, coupled with government support and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in the face of climate change, are now propelling geothermal energy into the spotlight in the United States.
Traditionally, geothermal energy has been utilized in regions where hot water or steam can be easily accessed to generate electricity. Countries like Iceland have successfully integrated geothermal power into their energy mix. However, in the U.S., geothermal has played a minor role, contributing less than 1 percent to the overall electricity generation. This is poised to change as the potential for geothermal energy to provide continuous, clean power gains recognition.
Amanda Kolker, from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, notes the shifting landscape in geothermal energy utilization, stating that the need for emissions-free base load power is driving the exploration of geothermal energy as a viable option.
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts a significant rise in geothermal capacity by 2050, with the potential to generate 10 percent of the nation’s electricity. This vision is supported by President Joe Biden’s administration, which is investing in projects aimed at expanding geothermal technology to be more accessible across the entire U.S. landmass, not just in select locations with natural hot springs.
Innovations in geothermal technology, coupled with government funding, are paving the way for the sector’s growth. The Biden administration’s allocation of funds for pilot projects focused on enhanced geothermal systems highlights the potential for geothermal to power millions of homes sustainably.
New drilling techniques, including enhanced geothermal, are revolutionizing the industry by tapping into hot rocks deep underground. These advancements enable geothermal energy extraction from various locations, transforming the technology’s potential significantly.
Despite the substantial investment required to expand geothermal operations nationwide, the promise of clean, renewable energy is driving companies to explore geothermal projects.
Geothermal energy’s future looks promising as advancements in technology and government backing propel the industry forward. The journey to unlock the Earth’s abundant underground heat as a sustainable energy source is underway, with geothermal energy poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a greener future.
“The US aims to ‘crack the code’ on scaling up geothermal energy production, signaling a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape,” remarked Terra Rogers, director for superhot rock energy at Clean Air Task Force.
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