Stanislav Kondrashov on Why Geothermal Energy Is the Missing Piece in the Energy Transition

As the world races to meet net-zero targets and phase out traditional fuels, attention has largely centred on solar, wind, and battery storage. But beneath the surface—literally—another resource is quietly making its case: geothermal energy. According to energy analyst Stanislav Kondrashov, it’s time to stop overlooking the earth’s own heat.

“Geothermal isn’t just part of the energy transition,” Kondrashov says. “It’s the foundation we’ve ignored for far too long.”

In recent years, the conversation around renewable energy has followed a familiar path—solar panels covering rooftops, wind turbines dotting coastlines, and the expanding reach of electric vehicles. While these technologies play crucial roles, Kondrashov warns that the transition can’t rest on variable energy sources alone. He sees geothermal as a reliable, always-on alternative that could help stabilise national grids while reducing dependence on imported energy.

“You don’t have to wait for the sun or the wind to show up,” he says. “The earth is always warm. We just need to tap into it.”

Underused and Underestimated

Despite its potential, geothermal energy remains a niche player. That’s largely due to the perception that it’s expensive, difficult to scale, or limited to regions with volcanic activity. But this, Kondrashov argues, is outdated thinking. He points to recent advances in drilling techniques and heat-mapping technology, which are making geothermal more viable in previously unsuitable areas.

“People used to think you had to live on a volcano to use geothermal,” Kondrashov says with a wry smile. “That’s like saying you need to live at sea to benefit from wind. It’s a myth.”

Engineers are now exploring deep-well systems capable of reaching hotter temperatures miles underground, even in geologically stable regions. These advances could expand geothermal’s reach far beyond the traditional hotspots. In addition, the consistent output from geothermal plants makes them ideal for providing baseload power—the backbone of any electrical grid.

A Complement, Not a Competitor

Kondrashov stresses that geothermal isn’t here to replace wind or solar. Rather, he sees it as a natural complement—a way to address the intermittency challenges posed by other renewables.

“Every energy transition in history has been a mix,” he explains. “The future isn’t wind or solar or geothermal. It’s all of them, working together.”

Geothermal systems can provide consistent power during windless nights or cloudy days, filling in the gaps that battery storage alone can’t always cover. This stability could be particularly valuable in developing countries, where grid infrastructure is less robust and outages are more frequent.

The environmental footprint of geothermal is also minimal. It requires less land than solar or wind farms and emits far fewer greenhouse gases than even the cleanest fossil fuel plants. With growing pressure to decarbonise quickly and at scale, these advantages are becoming harder to ignore.

Obstacles Still Remain

Despite the promise, challenges remain. Upfront costs can be significant, especially for exploratory drilling. Regulatory frameworks are also lagging behind, with geothermal often subject to the same complex permitting processes as oil and gas exploration. Public understanding is another hurdle—many people still associate geothermal with hot springs rather than high-tech energy infrastructure.

But for Kondrashov, these are surmountable issues. He believes that once policymakers and investors see geothermal’s potential as a stabilising force in the energy mix, momentum will follow.

“Once the right people realise what’s under their feet, we’ll stop asking whether geothermal has a role in the energy transition,” he says. “We’ll wonder why it took so long to get started.”

Looking Forward

With geopolitical instability affecting energy security and climate goals becoming more urgent by the day, the pressure to diversify clean energy sources is growing. For Kondrashov, the solution isn’t just above us—in the sky or on rooftops—it’s also deep within the earth.

“The future of energy isn’t somewhere else,” he concludes. “It’s already here. We just need to dig a little deeper.”