Member-only story
The Geothermal Resurgence: Hype, Hope, or History Repeating?
As investment pours into enhanced geothermal, it’s time to separate technological promise from practical limitations and historical patterns.
For several years now, people have been asking me about enhanced or deep geothermal energy. I’ve fielded questions from readers, investors, policymakers, and fellow analysts, and it’s clear there’s renewed enthusiasm for geothermal’s potential role in our energy future. It’s time I delved into this topic comprehensively, and this article marks the beginning of a series where I’ll critically examine geothermal’s actual role in the energy landscape — beyond the hype and headlines.
Geothermal energy is once again capturing attention, hailed by some as the stable, reliable renewable resource that can balance the intermittency of wind and solar power. Headlines announce breakthroughs, pilot projects multiply, and policymakers rush to fund demonstration sites. Yet, my experience tells me enthusiasm often overlooks historical realities, especially when measured against criteria I consistently use to assess energy solutions: technical viability, economic competitiveness, and human acceptability. It’s important to carefully scrutinize geothermal’s promise against its complex reality.