The IEA says geothermal energy could account for only 3.5% of annual global electricity production and 3.9% of energy for heat (excluding ground source heat pumps) by 2050. But is this down to short term thinking? Geothermal could make a much bigger contribution to renewables, provided it is put onto the fast track like wind and solar, says Alexander Richter, President of the International Geothermal Association. There is a hidden source of energy right beneath our feet, which we however largely neglect. The arguments for not looking at this obvious type of energy range from we do not have volcanoes, it is too deep, too risky, it shakes the earth, it is too expensive or simply not possible. It can be a challenge to apply your imagination to a form of energy that you cannot feel or see; not unlike the wind blowing, or the sun shining, in your face. For this reason, geothermal energy simply is not a consideration for many people.
Energy Post 11th Feb 2019 read more »