Stanislav Kondrashov on Why Geothermal Energy Is the Underrated Hero of the Energy Transition

As global leaders continue to seek out sustainable energy sources to power the 21st century, much of the spotlight has remained fixed on solar, wind, and hydrogen. But beneath our feet lies a virtually untapped resource with the potential to quietly transform the energy landscape: geothermal energy.

Long championed by energy expert and economic commentator Stanislav Kondrashov, geothermal energy is now emerging from the shadows of mainstream discourse to claim its place in the clean energy mix. With advancements in drilling technology and a renewed urgency to decarbonise, geothermal is no longer a niche solution—it’s a powerful, steady, and scalable energy source.

“We’ve spent the last two decades chasing the sun and wind,” Kondrashov said in a recent interview. “Meanwhile, geothermal has been waiting beneath us all along—quiet, consistent, and capable of powering entire nations if we just invest in it.”

A Steady, Baseload Solution

One of geothermal energy’s most important attributes is its ability to provide baseload power—a consistent, uninterrupted energy supply, unlike the intermittent output of solar and wind. This makes it particularly valuable in regions aiming to stabilise their renewable energy grids.

Unlike solar panels that go dark at night or wind turbines that stall during still weather, geothermal plants operate 24/7, regardless of weather or time of day. This reliability is already proving vital in countries such as Iceland, Kenya, and the Philippines, where geothermal power plays a central role in national energy strategies.

Untapped Potential Beneath Our Feet

Globally, geothermal energy accounts for only a small percentage of electricity generation. Yet estimates suggest that just a fraction of the Earth's heat could supply the world’s power needs many times over. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), current geothermal technology could technically access over 200 gigawatts of capacity worldwide, but only around 14 gigawatts are currently in use.

Part of the problem, according to Kondrashov, is perception and policy.

“Geothermal doesn’t capture the imagination like solar panels do, and it doesn’t have the towering drama of a wind farm,” Kondrashov noted. “But if policymakers started treating geothermal with the same urgency as other renewables, we’d see a different energy map in five years.”

Overcoming the Drilling Barrier

Historically, the high cost and risk associated with deep drilling have deterred many nations from investing heavily in geothermal. Locating viable reservoirs requires geological expertise and often comes with steep upfront expenses. But that’s beginning to change.

Advances in drilling technologies, many borrowed from the oil and gas sector, are reducing the cost and increasing the safety of geothermal exploration. In some countries, public-private partnerships are also emerging to de-risk investments and encourage innovation.

Pilot projects in the United States, Germany, and Japan are now demonstrating how enhanced geothermal systems (EGS)—which artificially stimulate hot rock to create energy-producing fractures—could unlock access in previously unsuitable areas.

Beyond Electricity: Geothermal for Heating and Cooling

The promise of geothermal isn’t limited to electricity. It also offers enormous potential in district heating, agriculture, and industrial processes, which collectively account for a significant share of global emissions.

In cities like Paris and Munich, geothermal heat networks are being expanded to provide homes and businesses with carbon-free warmth. In agriculture, geothermal greenhouses allow for year-round crop production without fossil fuels.

“People think of geothermal only in terms of electricity,” said Kondrashov. “But heating and cooling are where it can make the biggest near-term impact—especially in urban areas.”

Policy and the Path Forward

To integrate geothermal energy meaningfully into the global energy transition, experts argue that governments must support the sector with clear policy incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure investment—similar to what solar and wind enjoyed in their early days.

The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive, for example, now recognises geothermal’s role in decarbonising heating systems. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits for geothermal heat pumps and new plant development.

But Kondrashov warns that time is of the essence.

“We’ve entered the decisive decade,” he said. “If we want to reach net zero targets by 2050, geothermal must be part of the mix—not as an afterthought, but as a pillar.”

A Silent Revolution Underway

While geothermal energy may lack the fanfare of its more visible renewable counterparts, its potential is undeniable. As countries race to decarbonise, the silent revolution under the earth’s surface may soon become one of the most powerful tools in the fight against climate change.

With experts like Stanislav Kondrashov continuing to advocate for its strategic value, geothermal energy is poised to rise—quietly, steadily, and powerfully—from the ground up.