Technological Pathways and Prospects of Geothermal Energy for Clean Power

Abstract

Geothermal energy is a reliable yet underutilized renewable resource capable of delivering both baseload electricity and direct heat with minimal environmental impact. Unlike variable resources such as solar and wind, geothermal systems provide a steady and continuous energy supply, making them suitable for grid integration and industrial applications. This review offers a critical evaluation of existing and emerging geothermal technologies, including dry steam, flash, binary, and enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). A structured analysis is presented on resource availability, geological conditions, advances in drilling techniques, and power conversion methods. Environmental performance, lifecycle emissions, techno-economic viability, and global deployment patterns are also assessed. The methodology integrates a comprehensive literature survey, comparative benchmarking, and real-world data to position geothermal within broader decarbonization strategies. Results indicate that geothermal energy could meet up to 8.5% of global electricity demand by 2050, though challenges remain, particularly high upfront capital investment and geographic limitations. Figures and tables illustrate resource distribution, plant configurations, efficiency metrics, and sustainability benefits. The discussion emphasizes geothermal’s role in energy security and climate mitigation while outlining research priorities such as improved subsurface imaging, drilling cost reduction, and hybrid energy integration. The review concludes that geothermal energy has the potential to become a central pillar of a diversified renewable energy mix, contingent upon coordinated technological, financial, and policy advancements.