By supporting geothermal energy, a renewable resource that is frequently disregarded in favor of solar and wind, the Trump administration has made a significant change to its energy policy. This action supports the administration’s goal of increasing domestic energy output while giving priority to technologies that work with the conventional oil and gas sector.
In a policy environment where support for fossil fuels predominates, geothermal energy has become a unique renewable energy source that is gaining bipartisan support. Experts highlight its promise as a dependable and sustainable energy source that can run continuously, in contrast to sporadic sources like solar and wind.
Geothermal’s Growing Role in Us Energy Strategy
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from beneath the Earth’s surface to generate electricity by creating steam that drives turbines. Its continuous operation and low carbon emissions make it a key player in addressing energy reliability and climate change. While currently accounting for less than 0.5% of the United States’ total electricity generation, geothermal energy has shown significant potential for expansion, particularly with advanced drilling technologies adapted from the oil and gas sector.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that next-generation geothermal projects could power tens of millions of homes. Industry experts note that this opportunity has drawn the attention of policymakers and businesses alike, with Trump’s energy secretary nominee, Chris Wright, highlighting geothermal’s capacity as an “enormous, abundant energy resource.” Wright’s professional background in fossil fuels underscores the administration’s pragmatic approach in integrating geothermal into its broader energy agenda.
A Promising Yet Underutilised Resource
Geothermal energy has drawbacks despite its potential, such as high initial costs and restricted geographic reach. States with near-surface subterranean heat reserves, like California, Nevada, and Utah, currently produce the majority of the nation’s geothermal electricity. Leaders in the field contend that further federal assistance and advancements in drilling technology could broaden the appeal of geothermal energy.
Bryant Jones, executive director of the geothermal trade association Geothermal Rising, expressed optimism about the administration’s backing. “Geothermal is heating up and the Trump administration is going to empower the industry over the next four years to achieve its potential,” he stated. The administration has signalled its support by including geothermal in its energy diversification strategy, contrasting its stance on wind energy, which has faced restrictions under recent executive orders.
Geothermal companies like Houston-based Sage Geosystems are already adapting oil and gas practices to tap into hot rock beneath the surface. CEO Cindy Taff believes this growing momentum will drive costs down and make geothermal more competitive. “This could be the decade of geothermal,” she said.
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