Geothermal Tech Could Cut Solar and Wind Needs by 28%

Scientists have discovered a way to make clean energy transitions cheaper, faster, and less land-intensive using technology originally designed for oil drilling.

A new Stanford University study published in Cell Reports Sustainability shows that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could transform how we power the world. By tapping into heat from up to five miles underground, this technology works alongside solar and wind to create a more efficient renewable energy mix.

The numbers are striking. When EGS provides just 10 percent of electricity supply, countries need 15 percent less onshore wind capacity, 12 percent fewer solar panels, and a whopping 28 percent less battery storage. Total land requirements drop too, making this especially appealing for densely populated nations like Taiwan and South Korea.

Unlike traditional geothermal plants limited to volcanic regions like Iceland, EGS works almost anywhere. Engineers drill deep into the earth, inject fluid into hot cracked rocks, then pump the heated fluid back up to generate electricity around the clock.

Lead researcher Mark Jacobson explains that EGS provides constant, reliable electricity without the downsides of other energy sources. There's no risk of nuclear meltdown, no radioactive waste, and no carbon emissions.

The Bright Side

The financial benefits extend far beyond infrastructure savings. Both energy scenarios with and without EGS slashed annual energy costs by around 60 percent compared to continued fossil fuel use.

When researchers factored in health and climate benefits like reduced air pollution and preventing sea level rise, total social costs plummeted by approximately 90 percent. Communities could save money while breathing cleaner air and protecting coastlines.

The technology also arrives at the perfect moment for our AI-powered future. Because EGS provides constant electricity unlike intermittent solar and wind, it's ideal for powering the explosion of energy-hungry data centers sprouting up worldwide.

Costs have traditionally held EGS back, but experts predict dramatic price drops by 2035 thanks to faster drilling speeds. Projects can be completed quickly, unlike nuclear plants that require 12 to 23 years from planning to operation.

The study examined how adding EGS to renewable energy portfolios could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in countries around the globe. Researchers found that this technology doesn't replace wind and solar but makes them work better together, like adding a stabilizing ingredient to a recipe.

For small nations with limited space or countries looking to maximize their renewable energy investments, enhanced geothermal systems offer a path to clean energy that's both practical and affordable.

This overlooked technology might just be the key to unlocking a faster, cheaper route to a fossil fuel-free future.