Energy Transition

Explainer: This is how geothermal energy works

Many countries around the world are beginning to use more geothermal energy.

Many countries around the world are beginning to use more geothermal energy. Image: Viktor Kiryanov/Unsplash

Marcus Lu
Financial Writer, Visual Capitalist
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Energy Transition

A visual guide to geothermal energy.
Visualisation showing how geothermal energy works and is used. Image: Visual Capitalist/Think GeoEnergy Research, US Department of Energy, National Geographic, Renewable Energy Agency

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The US used the most geothermal energy in 2021.
The US used the most geothermal energy in 2021. Image: Visual Capitalist

Geothermal energy’s total capacity in this dataset differs from the previous value of 16GW. This is due to differing sources and rounding.
Geothermal energy’s total capacity in this dataset differs from the previous value of 16GW. This is due to differing sources and rounding. Image: Visual Capitalist
Geothermal energy by region.
Forecasted growth of geothermal energy capacity by region. Image: Visual Capitalist/EIA, IRENA, Local sources, Fitch Solutions
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Related topics:
Energy TransitionSDG 07: Affordable and Clean Energy
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