Geothermal energy, a stable renewable source, has a long history but remains underutilized globally, supplying under 1 percent of electricity despite regions like Kenya and Iceland extensively using it. Recent advances and policy shifts aim to scale next-generation geothermal, which accesses high-temperature rocks (100°C to over 400°C) several kilometers below the surface. U.S. legislation supports research into superhot rock geothermal systems as part of this expansion.
MIT has contributed through influential reports and leadership in geothermal research. Achieving cost-effective, large-scale deployment hinges on overcoming technical challenges related to drilling, resource characterization, and sustainable reservoir management. While promising, next-generation geothermal remains in the development and demonstration phases, requiring further innovation and investment.
Source & further reading
Next-generation geothermal energy: Promise, progress, and challenges ↗Source published 2026-03-13. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.