Geothermal is an excellent source of clean energy, for centuries it has been used simply as a heat source. Then in more recent decades also converted to
electrical use
Between 1975 and 2019, global geothermal electricity-generating capacity grew nearly fourteen-fold
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that less than 0.33% of the world’s electricity is generated from geothermal energy
Almost 24% of all global installed capacity is located in in the United States
In Iceland geothermal sources account for 66% of their primary energy use
Storing and transporting geothermal energy can be difficult so it is more useful when the energy can be used locally, this still makes geothermal a highly
viable clean energy source for many areas of the world
Indepth Study
An Introduction
Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth.
There are multiple ways to use this energy once it is extracted from deep within the Earth's crust.
Since the early 1800s, geothermal energy has been used for direct heating in different industries. In the 20th century, an increasing demand for electricity led to the consideration of geothermal power as a generating source. In 1911, the world's first commercial geothermal power station was built in Italy.
However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that geothermal electricity generation really started to take off. According to estimates from IEA and IRENA, between 1975 and 2019, global geothermal electricity-generating capacity grew nearly fourteen-fold.
As a Source of Electricity
Despite this rapid growth, the International Energy Agency estimates that less than 0.33% of the world’s electricity is generated from geothermal energy.
As a direct source of heat, geothermal is still only 0.28% of all global heat generation.
Global Distribution
According to data from Think GeoEnergy, almost 24% of all global installed capacity is located in in the United States. Following the USA,
the countries with the highest geothermal capacity are Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey and New Zealand.
Iceland may be a smaller energy user than a lot of other countries but its use of natural resources for its energy needs is a shining example for all. Showing
that if utilised correctly an endless supply of energy can be tapped from the natural clean sources around us.
Iceland utilises their geothermal energy for a range of purposes, geothermal sources account for 66% of Iceland's primary
energy use.
In 2014, roughly 85% of Icleand's primary energy use came from indigenous renewable resources. While hydroelectric power stations with a total installed
capacity of 1.986 MW, generated 72% of the country's electricity production.
Future Projections
According to IEA, geothermal technology is still not on track to reach their Sustainable Development Scenario level for 2030, which would require a 10% annual increase in generation over 2019-30.
Policies tackling challenges associated with pre-development risks are needed to increase the deployment of geothermal resources for power generation.
Geothermal energy is extracted from the earth without burning fossil fuels, and geothermal fields produce practically no emissions.
Reliable Source of Energy
It is an exceptionally constant source of energy which is available all year long. Unlike wind and solar, it does not depend on weather conditions or time of day.
Disadvantages
High Investment Costs
The need for drilling and installing quite a complex system makes the price climb quite high.
Location Restricted
Geothermal plants need to be built in places where the energy is accessible, which means that some areas are not able to exploit this resource.
Data Sources
1.
Earth Policy Institute: Geothermal Power Heating Up Worldwide
+34 910 180 818 
+44 20 3514 1012 
