Trump bets on geothermal energy, the only renewable spared

By redefining energy priorities, the Trump administration offers unexpected support to geothermal energy, the only renewable aligned with the economic interests of fossil fuel industries and its promising growth prospects.

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The Trump administration, known for its strong support of fossil fuels, nevertheless grants a special place to geothermal energy in its energy strategy. This technology, which uses the Earth’s natural heat to produce electricity, stands out as an economical and efficient solution, despite remaining a niche player in the U.S. energy landscape.

Geothermal energy provides continuous electricity generation, independent of weather conditions, distinguishing it from other renewable sources. Its technological compatibility with the oil and gas industry, especially in drilling techniques, gives it a strategic edge. Companies like Houston-based Fervo Energy are pioneering the adaptation of petroleum-sector methods to exploit underground heat reservoirs and generate steam for turbines.

A strategic shift under Trump

President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency highlights geothermal energy as a key component in diversifying and securing the country’s energy supply. Unlike wind and solar energy, which are often criticized by the administration, geothermal energy is promoted for its economic potential and efficiency.

Chris Wright, the Secretary of Energy and a former executive at Liberty Energy, embodies this direction. His deep knowledge of fossil fuel industries and his commitment to geothermal projects, such as those led by Fervo Energy, underscore a desire to leverage unconventional but strategic energy resources.

Ambitious economic prospects

According to estimates from the Department of Energy, next-generation geothermal projects could generate up to 90 gigawatts of electricity by 2050, enough to power 65 million homes. This ambition comes with the hope of lowering development costs through massive investments, making geothermal energy competitive with fossil and nuclear power plants.

Companies in the sector, such as Sage Geosystems, are ramping up initiatives to meet the growing demand for electricity. These projects specifically target data centers, which are large energy consumers, and strategic infrastructures like military bases, where energy reliability is essential.

An underutilized energy source

Despite its potential, geothermal energy currently accounts for less than 0.5% of U.S. electricity production, reflecting the financial and logistical challenges associated with this technology. However, the Trump administration’s support, combined with tax incentives and streamlined permitting, could accelerate its development.

Unlike other renewable energies, geothermal enjoys bipartisan support in Congress, reflecting its attractiveness as a reliable and consistent energy source. This unique context positions it as a particularly promising sector at the crossroads of U.S. economic and energy interests.

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A new report states that the US state could reach 163 GW of geothermal capacity through a set of public measures and expertise drawn from its oil sector.
Eavor Technologies secures an additional CA$138mn from the Canada Growth Fund for its geothermal project in Germany, reinforcing its operational base in Canada.
Project InnerSpace and Indonesia's IESR join forces to accelerate national geothermal development, estimated at 3,000 GW, with a strategic report expected in the autumn.
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Enertech Global will supply heat pumps for a 1,500-home project in partnership with Dandelion Energy, marking one of the largest residential geothermal deployments ever undertaken in the United States.
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Thomassen Amcot Holdings LLC has completed the acquisition of a 160 MW steam turbine generator from TC Energy. The equipment, currently stored in Canada, could be redeployed to the United States to meet the energy needs of certain markets.
The cities of Melun and Vaux-le-Pénil are launching the expansion of their heating network with the drilling of a new geothermal well planned for 2026. This project aims to strengthen local energy supply by increasing the capacity of the existing network.
Google Cloud, SLB, and Project Innerspace announce a collaboration to stimulate the global adoption of geothermal energy by combining advanced data and technical expertise in identifying geothermal resources.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted the importance of advanced geothermal energy in ensuring the United States' energy abundance at the Geothermal House DC MAGMA event in Washington.
EDF Saudi Arabia and TAQA Geothermal Energy Company have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop geothermal energy in the Kingdom. This initiative aims at electricity production and HVAC applications, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Safran has announced a partnership with Dalkia and Arverne Group to install a geothermal power plant at its Villaroche site. This infrastructure is expected to cover 84% of the factory’s heating needs, thereby reducing its natural gas consumption.
DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp. and SLB partner to develop an innovative geothermal project in Saskatchewan, aiming to produce 30 MW of emission-free energy.
Bihor County in Romania accelerates geothermal energy integration into its energy economy. With over €45 million invested, mostly funded by the European Union, the region highlights the growing profitability of this resource.