Opinion: Europe needs to embrace geothermal energy before it's too late.

      As Europe strives to eliminate fossil fuels and electrify everything from vehicles to heating systems, it is overlooking a reliable and proven source of clean energy right beneath its feet.

      Geothermal energy provides exactly what the continent most urgently needs: clean, local, and consistent power. However, it only represented 0.2% of power generation in Europe in 2024. A shift is necessary.

      The recent power outage in Spain, caused by a failure in the high-voltage grid, serves as a cautionary tale. Although solar and wind energy are critical components of decarbonization, they are inherently variable. Without consistent and continuous electricity sources, Europe may find itself trading one type of energy insecurity for another.

      An even more significant alarm was sounded in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For years, European nations had established an energy system reliant on imported natural gas. When that system collapsed, it triggered an energy crisis that revealed the vulnerabilities within Europe’s power infrastructure.

      The solution to these challenges lies, in part, just a few kilometers below the surface. According to the International Energy Agency, geothermal energy has the potential to supply the planet's energy needs 150 times over. Moreover, geothermal not only provides electricity but can also deliver clean, dependable heat. This is particularly beneficial in Europe, where many households already rely on radiators and district heating systems, many of which are still dependent on natural gas.

      Additionally, geothermal plants have a smaller environmental footprint. They require significantly less land than comparable solar or wind farms. Furthermore, the materials and infrastructure necessary to establish these plants — such as drilling rigs and turbines — can be mostly sourced locally. This contrasts with solar panels and batteries, the majority of which are imported from China.

      Geothermal energy is not a futuristic concept. It doesn’t need groundbreaking scientific innovations. We have been drilling wells and harnessing energy from the Earth for centuries. The expertise is available, along with a capable workforce.

      Years of oil and gas exploration have created a substantial pool of geologists, drillers, reservoir engineers, and project managers. Rather than allowing this expertise to diminish, we can redirect it to develop geothermal plants. The existing infrastructure, including drilling rigs, can also be adjusted for this cleaner purpose. Geothermal could represent a significant turnaround for the oil and gas sector.

      Indeed, deep drilling is currently costly — but emerging startups are changing that narrative. Equipped with technologies ranging from plasma pulse drills to large radiators, these innovators might finally overcome the financial barriers and make geothermal energy widely accessible. Just as SpaceX transformed a stagnant rocket industry with its affordable launches, these startups are positioned to succeed in areas where the geothermal sector has struggled.

      What remains lacking is investment. While billions are poured into high-risk technologies like fusion or nuclear fission, funding for geothermal technology is minimal by comparison, especially within Europe. Yet, geothermal energy is immediately feasible, unlike those other technologies.

      If Europe aims for climate neutrality and energy independence, it must acknowledge geothermal energy. It needs substantial investment, regulatory changes, and a clear message to the industry: don’t allow geothermal to be a neglected renewable resource.

      Grid failures, unmet climate objectives, and increased energy dependence — these are the challenges Europe confronts. It’s time to begin drilling before it becomes too late.

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