Geothermal Energy: The Heat Beneath Our Feet

Geothermal energy uses natural heat from beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity. Both Democrat and Republican politicians in the United States support this technology because it produces low greenhouse gas emissions and increases energy independence.

The next generation of geothermal systems, called enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), can access hotter and deeper locations than before. These systems work by pumping pressurized fluid into underground rocks to create fractures. Steam or hot water is then collected from another well to generate power.

Companies like Quaise are developing advanced drilling technology to make geothermal energy more accessible. Quaise uses millimeter wave drilling, which sends electromagnetic waves to melt and vaporize rock instead of using traditional drill bits. This technology can reach super-hot rocks almost anywhere in the world.

While geothermal energy is currently expensive to develop, experts believe costs will decrease over time. The technology offers a renewable, always-on energy source that could compete with traditional fossil fuels in the future.