| Title | The Future of Geothermal Energy |
|---|---|
| Authors | Brian Carey |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | next generation geothermal, geothermal electricity, geothermal heat. geothermal combined heat and power, enhanced geothermal systems |
| Abstract | IEA Paris released their report “The Future of Geothermal Energy” in December 2024. This forward looking document identifies that the geothermal sector will experience explosive growth through the opening up and use of next generation geothermal technologies. With technology advances and cost reductions through leveraging Oil and Gas sector expertise, total investment in geothermal from 2025 to 2035 could exceed USD 1 trillion and by 2050 USD 2.8 trillion. The Geothermal TCP (IEA Geothermal) is active in Superhot Enhanced Geothermal Systems through task activity initiated in 2025. The Task is coordinated by the Clean Air Task Force with a strong focus on international collaboration in developing this next generation geothermal technology. The paper explores what might be required to encourage the significant uptake of geothermal energy across the globe and the part that IEA and IEA Geothermal considers useful for them to play in next generation geothermal. |