The world is in the midst of an energy crisis, and the search for clean, sustainable alternatives is more urgent than ever. Among the many options being explored, geothermal energy stands out as a promising solution. This form of energy harnesses the Earth's internal heat, which has the potential to provide a steady and reliable source of electricity. What makes geothermal energy particularly fascinating is its ability to produce power without the weather-dependent fluctuations of wind or solar energy. It can also be built faster and more cheaply than nuclear power, making it an attractive option for countries looking to transition to cleaner energy systems. The concept of geothermal energy is not new. In fact, it has been used for centuries, with geysers and volcanoes providing a glimpse into the Earth's internal heat. However, recent advances in deep drilling techniques have revolutionized the sector, opening up access to superhot rocks at temperatures above 350°C. This is where the idea of 'Geothermal 2.0' comes in. Our collaborative research with the Clean Air Task Force has provided the first global overview of superhot rock geothermal potential, showing how much of this energy is available even in regions with little or no volcanic activity, such as Australia. Australia, a major mining nation with vast experience in subsurface exploration and world-leading geoscience research, has strong potential for geothermal heating and electricity generation. According to assessments by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Australian Geothermal Association, and Geoscience Australia, large areas of Australia have strong potential for geothermal energy. Preliminary estimates indicate that tapping 1% of Australia's superhot rocks could provide the equivalent energy of 3 billion barrels of oil or 20 times the nation's electricity use as of 2021. However, despite these promising prospects, there are challenges to be overcome. Deep drilling is still relatively expensive, and predicting target temperatures at depth remains difficult. To date, there hasn't been enough private investment to kickstart large-scale geothermal development. Nevertheless, recent progress in countries such as the US, China, and Germany shows that these challenges can be overcome. If Australia is serious about a cleaner and more secure energy future, it's worth looking at the advances in deep geothermal. The first step would be to create a new Australian roadmap for deep geothermal energy, bringing together recent advances in drilling and subsurface exploration, supporting pilot projects, and encouraging collaboration with global leaders. If this succeeds, the heat that has powered Earth for billions of years could help protect its future.
