Global geothermal power capacity could nearly double within the next decade, with nearly 14 GW of prospective capacity, according to Global Energy Monitor (GEM) Global Geothermal Power Tracker. 

Technological advances and streamlined permitting policies are making geothermal an increasingly viable baseload alternative to fossil fuels.

The US, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kenya plan to add more than 1 GW of geothermal each, supported by updated policies.

In the US, permitting timelines have been cut from 4–8 years to approximately 28 days under Executive Order 14156, enabling projects like Ormat’s Baltazor power plant to move forward after long delays.

Geothermal is also becoming crucial for data center energy supply, with 18 PPAs covering 1.4 GW and tech companies investing directly in projects such as Google Baseload Power in Taiwan, Sage Meta in the US, and EcoCloud-G42 in Kenya.

Indonesia and the Philippines are similarly integrating geothermal into green data center strategies, with Pertamina Geothermal Energy expanding capacity and securing REC agreements for operational plants like Kamojang.

However, rapid development brings social and environmental challenges. 

Fast-tracked permits in Indonesia have sometimes displaced communities, disrupted local economies, and caused funding risks. Experts stress the importance of community consultation, risk mitigation, plant monitoring, and retirement plans to avoid “sacrifice zones.”

If implemented responsibly, geothermal energy could help countries like Indonesia meet carbon neutrality goals while providing reliable, renewable baseload power, supporting both sustainable development and a just transition away from coal and deforestation. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service