Geo

Vision
Harnessing the Heat Beneath our Feet

What is the GeoVision Analysis?

Geothermal energy is a renewable and diverse solution for the United States—providing clean, reliable, and flexible electricity generation, as well as serving many direct-use needs such as heating and cooling. Geothermal resources can be found nationwide, are "always on," and represent vast domestic energy potential. Despite the many benefits, however, the United States has tapped only a fraction of its abundant geothermal resources.

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) engaged in a multiyear research collaboration among national laboratories, industry, and academia to examine the potential for geothermal resources to play a key role in the nation's energy future. Dubbed the GeoVision analysis, the effort used rigorous modeling and simulation to enable a team of experts to assess the state of geothermal energy, quantify growth opportunities and associated impacts on the nation, and formulate actions to increase geothermal deployment.

The GeoVision analysis included a range of scenarios to evaluate geothermal deployment potential and the impacts that would result from developing and implementing new geothermal technologies under various market conditions. The GeoVision report summarizes the analysis and discusses the many opportunities that geothermal energy offers in both electric and non-electric uses. This scenario viewer provides an interactive look into the data and results of the GeoVision analysis.

Electricity Generation
electricity generation diagram

Geothermal power plants generate electricity by first accessing the reservoir by drilling wells and then piping steam or hot water to the surface. The hot water or steam powers a turbine that generates electricity.

District Heating (Direct Use)
district heat example map

In district-heating applications, water from the geothermal resource is piped through heat exchangers or directly into commercial or residential buildings to meet heating and hot-water demands for entire districts.

Geothermal Heat Pumps
heat pump diagram

U.S. residential and commercial heating and cooling demand can be met by geothermal heat pumps, which use the thermal storage properties of the shallow earth to provide efficient heating and cooling.

Heat pump photo credit: Ed Lohrenz and International Ground Source Heat Pump Association

GeoVision Analysis at a Glance

ElectricityHeating/Cooling

Proven Technologies

Focus: Financing, Regulations, Outreach, Policy

Proven Technologies

Focus: Financing, Regulations, Outreach, Policy

Electricity
conventional geothermal icon

Conventional Geothermal

Double size of industry by regulation reform

geothermal heat pumps icon

Geothermal Heat Pumps

2 million installed vs. 28 million potential

Heating/Cooling
geothermal heat pumps icon

Geothermal Heat Pumps

2 million installed vs. 28 million potential

Developing Technologies

Focus: R&D, Technology Advancements

Developing Technologies

Focus: R&D, Technology Advancements

Electricity
enhanced geothermal systems icon

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

8.5% of total generation by 2050 (20.4% of all RE generation)

direct use EGS icon

Direct Use - EGS

0.1GW installed vs. 320GW+ potential

Heating/Cooling
direct use EGS icon

Direct Use - EGS

0.1GW installed vs. 320GW+ potential