| Title | Geothermal Energy for Sustainable Food Production and Preservation: Tackling the Global Crisis of Food Insecurity and Hunger |
|---|---|
| Authors | Longval R., Robinson H., Hodson S |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, remains insufficient as approximately 733 million people still suffer from undernourishment following a sharp rise during the pandemic. Global food insecurity requires transformative solutions within agri-food systems to sustainably increase food productivity and preservation. This paper investigates the direct utilization of geothermal energy for food production and preservation as a strategic solution to combat hunger, reduce waste, and cut emissions. Whether through tapping into low-medium enthalpy systems, or cascade utilization of geothermal resources, there are diverse agricultural uses without adding additional pressure to land and water resources, amongst other sustainable development goals. By leveraging geothermal energy, integrated agri-food systems, such as greenhouses, aquaculture, food drying, dehydration, and processing facilities, can maintain optimal operational temperatures independent of climatic variability, while reducing the carbon footprint of food production. Drawing on examples from across the globe, this report highlights how geothermal energy enables low emission agri-food operations, backed by carbon reduction calculations. These systems maximize energy efficiency, reduce cost volatility, decrease operational costs, and enhance year-round output. Geothermal energy’s versatility in heating and cooling, drying, and processing not only acts as a substitute for fossil energy use, but aligns directly with SDG 2 by offering a sustainable pathway to affordable and nutritious food. Through supportive policies, stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing, geothermal energy can become widely adopted for building climate-smart, resilient agri-food systems that are essential for advancing global food security. |