Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
Geothermal 101: The heat at your feet!
Advances in geothermal technology are broadening access to Earth’s heat, expanding applications across power, heating and cooling.
August 2026
Key takeaways
- Geothermal energy uses heat from within the Earth to generate electricity and provide heating and cooling. While conventional hydrothermal projects rely on naturally occurring underground heat, fluid and permeability, newer technologies are expanding development beyond traditional resources.
- Power plant designs are largely determined by underground heat levels, with higher-temperature reservoirs supporting direct steam generation and lower-temperature ones requiring more engineered systems that expand development opportunities.
- Beyond electricity generation, geothermal energy can also support heating, cooling, industrial processes and heat pumps - broadening its potential market - while permitting reforms and evolving state and federal policies increasingly influence the pace and economics of deployment.
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