Sustainable development is an essential aspect of global progress in the modern world. Governments around the world have identified the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the framework for a better future for all. Geothermal energy could play a significant role in achieving these goals.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Geothermal energy is an affordable and clean source of energy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for geothermal power plants ranges from $0.04 to $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is competitive with other renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and cheaper than fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.
Geothermal energy can help to provide access to affordable and clean energy for communities that lack access to electricity or rely on expensive and polluting sources of energy like diesel generators. For example, in Kenya, geothermal energy has helped to reduce the cost of electricity for consumers and improve access to energy in rural areas.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Geothermal energy can play a significant role in promoting industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Geothermal energy systems require significant investments in infrastructure, such as drilling wells and building power plants. This can stimulate local economies and create job opportunities.
In addition, geothermal energy systems can help to promote innovation in the energy sector. Advances in drilling technology and geothermal heat pump technology are making geothermal energy more accessible and efficient, and new applications for geothermal energy, such as direct-use heating and cooling, are emerging.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Geothermal energy can help to mitigate climate change and promote climate action. Geothermal energy is a clean source of energy that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the IEA, geothermal energy has the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1.8 gigatons of carbon dioxide per year by 2050.
In addition, geothermal energy systems can provide grid stability and energy storage, which can help to integrate other variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the energy mix. This can help to reduce the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and promote the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Geothermal energy can help to promote sustainable cities and communities by providing efficient heating and cooling solutions for buildings. Geothermal heat pumps can provide heating and cooling using the constant temperature of the ground, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, geothermal energy systems can be used for district heating and cooling, which can provide efficient and affordable heating and cooling for communities. This can help to reduce energy costs for consumers and promote the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Geothermal energy can play a role in promoting clean water and sanitation. Geothermal energy systems can be used for desalination, which is the process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water.
Desalination can help to provide access to clean water for communities that lack access to freshwater sources, such as coastal or arid regions. In addition, geothermal energy systems can be used for wastewater treatment, which can help to promote sanitation and reduce water pollution.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Geothermal energy can help to promote life on land by reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use. Geothermal energy can provide an alternative to biomass energy sources like wood and charcoal, which are major drivers of deforestation in many developing countries.
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