Deep Geothermal Power Could Transform Europe’s Energy Mix

New analysis shows that advances in deep-earth drilling could enable geothermal energy to replace a large share of fossil-fuel electricity, offering Europe a stable, low-carbon power source.

“Modern geothermal is now cost-competitive with gas across much of the continent and offers a clean, firm power supply insulated from fossil fuel price volatility,” said Tatiana Mindekova, policy advisor at Ember.

The study estimates that about 43 gigawatts of enhanced geothermal capacity could generate roughly 301 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to replace 42% of EU coal and gas power at costs below €100 per megawatt-hour, while providing reliable energy for industry and growing data-centre demand without dependence on weather conditions.