- The Trump administration supports geothermal energy, viewing it as a reliable and economically viable renewable source distinct from wind and solar energy.
- Geothermal energy benefits from oil and gas industry techniques, with companies like Fervo Energy adapting drilling methods for electricity generation.
- With bipartisan support, geothermal could grow rapidly, aiming to power 65 million homes by 2050 through significant investments and cost reductions.
In a surprising shift, the Trump administration actively supports geothermal energy, a renewable source closely aligned with the fossil fuel industry’s economic interests. Despite its strong advocacy for fossil fuels, the administration places geothermal at the centre of its energy strategy.
Geothermal energy uses the Earth’s heat to generate electricity, offering continuous power without relying on weather conditions. While still a tiny player in the U.S. energy market, geothermal stands out for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The oil and gas industry’s drilling techniques are key in geothermal development. Companies like Houston-based Fervo Energy are leading efforts to adopt these methods, tapping underground heat to produce steam for electricity generation.
In a recent energy emergency declaration, President Trump emphasised the importance of geothermal energy in diversifying the U.S. energy supply. The administration views geothermal energy as more economically viable than wind and solar energy, which it frequently criticises.
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, a former executive at Liberty Energy, drives this new focus. His background in fossil fuels and active involvement in geothermal projects like Fervo’s reflect the administration’s push for strategic energy alternatives.
The Department of Energy projects that next-generation geothermal could generate up to 90 gigawatts of electricity by 2050, powering 65 million homes. The government plans to drive down development costs through massive investments, aiming to make geothermal competitive with fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Companies such as Sage Geosystems ramp up efforts to meet rising electricity demand, focusing on data centres and military bases where reliability is crucial. Geothermal energy currently contributes less than 0.5% of U.S. electricity production and faces financial and logistical challenges. However, the administration’s support through tax incentives and streamlined permits could accelerate the sector’s growth.
Geothermal also garners bipartisan support in Congress, as lawmakers recognise its reliability and consistency, making it attractive across the political spectrum. This rare political alignment positions geothermal for rapid growth in U.S. energy policy.
By promoting geothermal, the Trump administration strengthens a renewable energy source directly tied to the fossil fuel industry. With strategic backing, tax breaks, and a favourable political climate, geothermal energy will expand significantly in the coming years.