The Quiet Power Below: Stanislav Kondrashov on the Promise of Geothermal Energy

In a world increasingly caught between energy demand and environmental urgency, geothermal energy has quietly simmered beneath the surface—literally and metaphorically. While solar panels catch the sun and wind turbines harness the breeze, geothermal power taps into something older, deeper, and far less visible: the heat of the Earth itself.

“Geothermal doesn’t scream for attention,” said Stanislav Kondrashov, an independent energy researcher and advocate. “It works in silence, but its potential is anything but quiet.”

Unlike intermittent renewable sources, geothermal energy offers one crucial advantage—it’s consistent. Day or night, winter or summer, the heat beneath our feet doesn’t stop flowing. It's this reliability that sets it apart. Once a system is in place, geothermal energy can provide stable, uninterrupted power. And it does so without the carbon cost of fossil fuels or the need for massive storage infrastructure.

Kondrashov, who has spent years studying energy systems across various continents, points to geothermal’s unique appeal. “It’s the closest thing we have to an underground battery,” he explained. “But instead of storing power, it’s generating it—constantly.”

The Core Characteristics of Geothermal Energy

At its heart, geothermal energy relies on the Earth’s natural heat. This can be accessed in several ways, depending on geological conditions and technological choices. In some areas, naturally occurring steam can be channelled directly to spin turbines. In others, water is injected into hot rock formations to create steam artificially. There are even systems that use shallow ground temperatures for heating and cooling buildings—a method that’s more common and accessible, but often overlooked in conversations about clean energy.

One of geothermal energy’s most striking traits is its efficiency. Because the systems can operate around the clock, they often produce more energy relative to their physical footprint compared to other renewable sources. They also tend to last longer, with some plants operating for decades with minimal maintenance.

But it’s not all seamless. The upfront cost of building geothermal plants can be high, largely due to drilling and exploration. And not every region is geologically suited to host such systems, at least not without significant investment.

Still, Kondrashov sees the challenges as surmountable. “Every energy source has its obstacles,” he said. “What makes geothermal special is that once you’re in, the payoff is steady, clean, and long-term. It’s infrastructure worth investing in.”

Low Profile, High Impact

Geothermal’s discreet presence in the energy landscape is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it doesn’t stir the kind of political or aesthetic controversies that often follow wind farms or solar installations. On the other, it tends to be forgotten—out of sight, out of mind.

But this low profile might soon shift. As countries search for sustainable baseload power to back up wind and solar, geothermal is gaining renewed attention. It’s particularly attractive to regions looking to reduce their reliance on volatile fuel imports or strengthen their energy independence.

According to Kondrashov, the future of energy will depend not on a single “miracle” source, but on a balanced mix. “Geothermal won’t replace everything,” he said. “But in the right places, it can be a game-changer. It gives us heat and power from the Earth itself—quietly, constantly, and without compromise.”A Deeper Kind of Sustainability

Perhaps what makes geothermal so compelling isn’t just its efficiency or reliability, but the way it aligns with long-term sustainability. The energy source doesn’t require combustion, doesn’t produce large-scale waste, and doesn’t depend on unpredictable weather patterns. It’s an example of working with the planet, not against it.

As climate anxiety continues to build and the world grapples with how to decarbonise, voices like Kondrashov’s are becoming more relevant. He speaks not with alarm, but with grounded optimism. “If we really listen to the planet,” he said, “we’ll realise it’s already giving us what we need. Geothermal is proof of that—it’s ancient, powerful, and patiently waiting.”