The AI Boom Has an Energy Problem. Geothermal Is the Answer | Opinion
Summary
The opinion article argues that geothermal power could help meet data centers’ steady electricity needs as AI use grows. It points to existing oil and gas wells and infrastructure as a way to lower the cost of geothermal projects, while noting that geothermal deployment remains far below estimated U.S. potential.Key Facts
- The article says data centers need electricity around the clock.
- It cites the International Energy Agency as reporting that data center electricity demand rose 17 percent in 2025, compared with 3 percent growth in global electricity demand.
- The IEA projects global power demand will grow by an average of 3.6 percent per year through 2030, according to the article.
- The article says solar and wind need storage, grid flexibility, or other power sources to reliably meet data centers’ continuous demand.
- It identifies nuclear and geothermal as possible sources of steady power, and says the author considers small nuclear reactors years away from commercial deployment at the needed scale.
- The article says the United States has just over 4 gigawatts of installed geothermal capacity and cites a Department of Energy estimate of at least 300 gigawatts of potential.
- The author proposes reusing oil and gas wells and related infrastructure in geothermal regions to reduce project costs.
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