review · Unconventional Resources
Geothermal energy provides a renewable and reliable source of electricity that can satisfy base load power demands, positioning it as a dependable substitute for fossil fuels. Even with this capability, it currently generates only 0.34 percent of the world's energy supply. Global uptake has nevertheless expanded, with installed capacity rising from 9,791 MWe in 2009 to 16,318 MWe by the end of 2023, and more than 32 countries are actively pursuing geothermal projects. A broad examination of the field highlights existing extraction technologies, power plant designs, and diverse applications, while assessing ongoing technical hurdles. To compete effectively against subsidised fossil fuels, the sector depends heavily on public policy support, including favourable feed-in tariffs and tax incentives. Stakeholder guidance and targeted research initiatives remain necessary to expand its commercial deployment worldwide.
Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, geothermal energy provides reliable, continuous base load power. Although global capacity has grown substantially since 2009, geothermal still represents a tiny fraction of worldwide power. Understanding extraction technologies, plant requirements, and policy mechanisms can help policymakers and utilities reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate clean energy transitions.
The work addresses power utilities, project developers, and energy policymakers seeking to deploy geothermal power plants and extraction technologies for electricity generation. Geothermal generation is already operational at scale across dozens of countries, representing a commercialised technology. However, broader market uptake depends on overcoming financial and policy barriers, specifically through favourable feed-in tariffs and preferential tax treatments that allow clean base load power to compete against established fossil fuel subsidies.
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Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source with potential to facilitate the world's transition to clean and sustainable energy. Despite its capabilities, geothermal energy currently accounts for barely 0.34 % of the global energy contribution. However, its ability to provide consistent and reliable electrical power especially for base load demand positions it as a competitive alternative to fossil fuels. The installed capacity of geothermal generation has increased from 9791 MWe in 2009 to 16,318 MWe by the end of 2023, with over 32 countries actively developing their geothermal resources. An in-depth literature review explores the evolution of geothermal energy as a clean energy option, illustrating its significant impact and the challenges it faces. To enhance its competitiveness relative to fossil fuels, which benefit from established support and subsidies, geothermal energy requires government backing in the form of favorable feed-in tariffs and preferential tax treatment. This review emphasizes geothermal energy's potential, extraction technologies, geothermal power plants, geothermal applications, and areas for further research. Additionally, it outlines current research initiatives and provides recommendations for stakeholders to promote geothermal energy as a vital component of a clean energy future. • Geothermal energy currently accounts for barely 0.34 % of the global energy contribution despite its huge potential. • Geothermal generation installed capacity increased from 9791 MWe in 2009 to 16,318 MWe by the close of 2023, with over 32 countries actively developing their geothermal resources while others are examining opportunities. • This review study offers an analysis of geothermal energy, emphasizing its potential, extraction technologies, geothermal power plant, difficulties, potential areas for further research, and suggestions for its broad use.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.uncres.2025.100149
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