Where Are We With Geothermal
https://theness.com/neurologicablog/where-are-we-with-geothermal/
Geothermal energy is moving from a niche idea to real potential, but it’s a long game. In the USA, the Geothermal Research and Development Act highlights broad bipartisan interest, with both sides eyeing its reliability and low-carbon footprint. In practice, today’s geothermal accounts for only a sliver of electricity (about 0.4% in the US, 0.3% globally), and the economics hinge on drilling costs, rock temperature, and the gradient of heat with depth. Advances like millimetre-wave drilling offer exciting promise—potentially faster, cheaper wells without wear-prone drill bits—but they’re still experimental and must prove themselves across diverse geologies. In the near term, the smart path is to push wind, solar, and grid storage, phase out coal, and expedite nuclear and pumped hydro, while continuing to invest in geothermal and other long-term options. Whether geothermal becomes dominant or stays fringe depends on tech breakthroughs and timing, but the heat beneath our feet remains a serious, bottomless resource worth pursuing.