Geothermal could meet 15% of electricity demand

Geothermal energy could meet 15% of global electricity demand growth between now and 2050 if project costs continue to decline, according to a report.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said new technologies are opening up the massive potential of underground energy to provide round-the-clock clean power.

It said geothermal energy offers abundant, highly flexible and clean electricity supplies that can support variable renewable technologies such as wind and solar while complementing other low-emissions sources like nuclear.

“New technologies are opening new horizons for geothermal energy across the globe, offering the possibility of meeting a significant portion of the world’s rapidly growing demand for electricity securely and cleanly,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.