popular articles

What does the future hold for geothermal energy?

With a capacity for job creation surpassing that of solar and wind power, geothermal energy is emerging as a potential market leader in renewable energies, requiring targeted policies and investment to realize its full potential.
géothermie avenir 2024

Please share:

Geothermal infrastructure could surpass solar and wind in job creation, if the right policies are put in place. According to Bryant Jones, Executive Director of Geothermal Rising, geothermal development generates 34 jobs per megawatt installed, compared with just 19 for wind and 12 for solar. This represents a significant opportunity to reuse the existing workforce in the oil and gas sector for positions such as reservoir managers and drilling operators.

Unique benefits of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy uses simple materials like concrete and steel, without relying on critical imported minerals. Bryant Jones also highlights geothermal’s high capacity factor, outperforming other energy technologies, including nuclear, in terms of efficient and consistent production.

Technology and environmental transfer

Existing oil and gas technologies can be adapted to geothermal applications. This technology transfer promises easier, less costly integration. What’s more, extracting lithium for electric vehicle batteries from geothermal sources, such as the Salton Sea in the USA, offers environmental advantages over conventional methods.

Geothermal energy challenges and myths

Despite its advantages, geothermal energy faces a number of preconceived ideas that limit its expansion. Myths include the belief that geothermal energy is only viable in warm regions, or that the technology is too new or complex for wider adoption.

To increase the share of geothermal energy in the energy mix, it is essential that governments remove regulatory barriers and offer tax incentives. Actors like Bryant Jones and Anine Pedersen from Geothermal Rising are calling for greater recognition and political support for this technology.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The Canadian government supports the geothermal project led by the Acho Dene Koe First Nation, aiming to reduce diesel usage and stimulate economic development in the Northwest Territories.
Ormat Technologies will partner with Contact Energy to build a 101 MW geothermal power plant in New Zealand, a key project that supports the national zero-emissions goal and strengthens Ormat's market position.
Ormat Technologies will partner with Contact Energy to build a 101 MW geothermal power plant in New Zealand, a key project that supports the national zero-emissions goal and strengthens Ormat's market position.
Sinopec connects its first geothermal power production project in China to the grid, marking progress in clean energy integration and helium extraction, a strategic resource for various industrial sectors.
Sinopec connects its first geothermal power production project in China to the grid, marking progress in clean energy integration and helium extraction, a strategic resource for various industrial sectors.
The Tu Deh-Kah geothermal project by the Fort Nelson First Nation aims to produce up to 15 MWe of sustainable energy for the Fort Nelson region, marking a strategic investment for energy independence.
The Tu Deh-Kah geothermal project by the Fort Nelson First Nation aims to produce up to 15 MWe of sustainable energy for the Fort Nelson region, marking a strategic investment for energy independence.
With its vast geothermal resources, Alaska is positioning itself as a strategic pillar for the US energy policy in the Indo-Pacific, supporting key regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines with sustainable and local production.
The $43 million funding granted by Japan for the Chachimbiro geothermal project marks a key step for Ecuador’s energy diversification strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's autonomy and the stability of its electricity supply.
The $43 million funding granted by Japan for the Chachimbiro geothermal project marks a key step for Ecuador’s energy diversification strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's autonomy and the stability of its electricity supply.
Colombia is intensifying the development of geothermal energy to diversify its energy mix. The country is relying on public-private partnerships and favorable regulations to attract the necessary investments.
Colombia is intensifying the development of geothermal energy to diversify its energy mix. The country is relying on public-private partnerships and favorable regulations to attract the necessary investments.
Magma Power LLC is awarded a patent for an innovative technology that extracts magmatic heat for energy production, with applications in energy-intensive industries.
Magma Power LLC is awarded a patent for an innovative technology that extracts magmatic heat for energy production, with applications in energy-intensive industries.
Geothermal energy in the Paris region, which has been well established since the 1980s, is proving to be a reliable and economical solution for district heating, limiting dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring long-term price stability.
AFPG and Enerplan join forces to promote the coupling of solar thermal and geothermal energy in France. This initiative aims to optimize the use of renewable energies, thereby reinforcing the energy transition and national energy sovereignty.
AFPG and Enerplan join forces to promote the coupling of solar thermal and geothermal energy in France. This initiative aims to optimize the use of renewable energies, thereby reinforcing the energy transition and national energy sovereignty.
X-Caliber Rural Capital is providing $100 million in financing for Fervo Energy's geothermal project in Utah, designed to deliver 400 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2028.
X-Caliber Rural Capital is providing $100 million in financing for Fervo Energy's geothermal project in Utah, designed to deliver 400 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2028.
Tsuchiyu Onsen, a Japanese region renowned for its hot springs, is implementing a strategy to integrate geothermal production into its tourism sector, illustrating a local energy management model.
Tsuchiyu Onsen, a Japanese region renowned for its hot springs, is implementing a strategy to integrate geothermal production into its tourism sector, illustrating a local energy management model.
INA - Industrija nafte d.d. launches seismic surveys in northern Croatia to identify geothermal and hydrocarbon resources as part of its energy diversification strategy.
Stadtwerke München receives 43.9 million euros from the BEW program to extend Munich's geothermal heating network, covering a significant part of the project costs.
Stadtwerke München receives 43.9 million euros from the BEW program to extend Munich's geothermal heating network, covering a significant part of the project costs.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is putting 220,000 acres of land up for sale in Nevada to intensify geothermal exploration, boosting renewable energy production.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is putting 220,000 acres of land up for sale in Nevada to intensify geothermal exploration, boosting renewable energy production.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited has inaugurated an experimental 20 kW geothermal power plant in Telangana, marking a major step forward for renewable energy in India.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited has inaugurated an experimental 20 kW geothermal power plant in Telangana, marking a major step forward for renewable energy in India.
GA Drilling and Petrobras join forces to develop drilling technology to reduce costs and risks, although challenges remain.
India is turning to geothermal energy to diversify its sources of renewable energy. Singareni Collieries Company Limited has already set up a 20 kW pilot plant in Manuguru, Telangana.
India is turning to geothermal energy to diversify its sources of renewable energy. Singareni Collieries Company Limited has already set up a 20 kW pilot plant in Manuguru, Telangana.
Whitebark Energy uses revenues from Wizard Lake in Canada to fund geothermal and hydrogen initiatives in Australia, underlining a transition to renewable energies.
Whitebark Energy uses revenues from Wizard Lake in Canada to fund geothermal and hydrogen initiatives in Australia, underlining a transition to renewable energies.
Exergy International and RentCo Africa Limited sign agreement to add 67 MWe of geothermal capacity in Olkaria, Kenya.
Exergy International and RentCo Africa Limited sign agreement to add 67 MWe of geothermal capacity in Olkaria, Kenya.
The U.S.-Iceland geothermal energy partnership promises to transform the global energy landscape, with massive investment and collaboration to develop innovative, sustainable technologies.
Nicaragua launches international tender for geothermal drilling at Cosigüina volcano, targeting companies specializing in deep wells
Nicaragua launches international tender for geothermal drilling at Cosigüina volcano, targeting companies specializing in deep wells
Newheat, the Communauté d'Agglomération Pau Béarn Pyrénées and ENGIE Solutions have launched a feasibility study for an innovative thermal storage system, supported by the European TREASURE program.
Newheat, the Communauté d'Agglomération Pau Béarn Pyrénées and ENGIE Solutions have launched a feasibility study for an innovative thermal storage system, supported by the European TREASURE program.
Fervo Energy secures contracts for 320 MW of geothermal capacity with Southern California Edison, underlining the growing demand for reliable, continuous renewable energy.
Fervo Energy secures contracts for 320 MW of geothermal capacity with Southern California Edison, underlining the growing demand for reliable, continuous renewable energy.

Advertising