Geothermal Production of Heat, Electricity Could Grow Tenfold by 2050, IEA Says

PARIS—Global production of heat and electricity from geothermal energy can be increased “at least tenfold” by mid-century if governments implement the right mix of policies to spur development of untapped resources and new technologies, according to a report released June 14 by the International Energy Agency.

The report, Technology Roadmap: Geothermal Heat and Power, said geothermal energy’s share of annual global electricity production could be increased from today’s 0.3 percent to about 3.5 percent by 2050 while its share of heat production could rise from 0.2 percent to 3.9 percent.

The Paris-based agency, which advises the world’s advanced economies, ...