By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Beneath the Earth’s surface lies an untapped, virtually limitless source of clean energy—geothermal power. While some regions, such as Iceland, benefit from easily accessible geothermal heat near the surface, much of the world must drill deeper to harness this resource. With technological advancements, the potential to access this sustainable energy source is becoming more attainable, promising a transformative solution to global energy demands.
Geothermal energy offers several advantages over other renewable sources. Unlike solar and wind energy, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal power is continuously available, derived from the Earth’s molten core and the decay of radioactive elements within the crust. The energy lost into space annually from the Earth’s natural heat emissions could theoretically meet global energy needs many times over. However, the challenge lies in accessing this energy at sufficient depths and temperatures to make it viable.
Currently, only 32 countries operate geothermal power plants, contributing approximately 97 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually. This figure pales in comparison to other renewable sources like solar power but underscores the untapped potential of geothermal energy. Experts predict that with technological advancements, geothermal could provide between 800 to 1,400 TWh of electricity annually by 2050, alongside significant contributions to large-scale heating.
One of the main barriers to expanding geothermal energy use is the high cost of drilling deep into the Earth’s crust. Traditional drilling technologies struggle with the intense heat, pressure, and hard rock encountered at depths necessary to access supercritical water—a state where water exists as neither liquid nor gas but holds immense energy. For example, the Iceland Deep Drilling Project encountered difficulties when it drilled 2.9 miles (4.6 km) deep, reaching temperatures of 600°C (1,112°F). Although promising, the project revealed the technical and economic challenges of deep drilling.
Innovative solutions are emerging to overcome these hurdles. Companies like Quaise Energy are developing millimeter-wave drilling technology, which uses high-powered energy beams to vaporize rock, eliminating the wear and tear of traditional drill bits. This approach has the potential to reach depths of 12 miles (20 km), unlocking temperatures above 500°C (932°F). Similarly, GA Drilling is experimenting with pulse plasma drilling, which uses short bursts of high-energy discharges to disintegrate rock without melting it, reducing operational delays.
Additionally, closed-loop systems such as those developed by Eavor promise a cleaner, more efficient approach to geothermal energy. These systems circulate water through a sealed loop underground, minimizing contamination risks and hazardous gas emissions. Such innovations could enable geothermal energy to be deployed in urban environments, requiring minimal surface space and leveraging existing infrastructure.
Deep geothermal energy holds promise not just for new power generation but also for repurposing aging fossil fuel plants. Abandoned coal power stations, for instance, could be retrofitted to harness geothermal heat, breathing new life into outdated infrastructure while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With continued investment in advanced drilling techniques and supportive policies, geothermal energy could become a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition.
As the demand for sustainable energy grows, the race to unlock the Earth’s deep heat intensifies. With each technological breakthrough, the vision of universal geothermal power becomes increasingly achievable, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly energy source for future generations.
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