The Role of Geothermal Energy Development on CO2 Emission by the Year 2030

Abstract

In recent years, concerns about global warming and CO2 emissions have led the policymakers to develop clean and renewable energies. In this context, the exploitation of geothermal energy as a major source of low-carbon energy production can be a significant contributor to reducing energy related CO2 emissions. Geothermal energy unlike the other renewable energies such as solar and wind is a source of sustainable energy which is independent of time or season. Geothermal technologies can be used for electricity generation or direct use. Today, about 24 countries are using geothermal resources to generate electricity and also, more than 70 countries use geothermal heat directly. This article aims to forecast the electricity generation from geothermal resources by 2030 which is estimated to be 20 GW. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the amount of CO2 emissions by the fossil fuels and the geothermal resources, by the year 2030 which indicates that geothermal power plants are more environmentally friendly and have much lower CO2 emissions.