The world’s energy crisis is a significant problem that needs urgent attention. It is a fact that the world’s energy consumption rate is massive, and fossil fuels, which accounted for around 86% of the world’s primary energy supply in 2020, are not the answer to our energy crisis. In addressing this problem, renewable energy sources are a viable solution and might be the most sustainable option. The focus today is on one technology in particular – geothermal energy and its role in resolving energy insecurity and social conflicts.
Understanding Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is the earth’s heat that can be harnessed for use in electricity generation and heating purposes. The earth’s core temperature is approximately 5,500°C, and this heat energy emanates from the earth’s crust in the form of steam, hot water, and hot rocks. Geothermal energy is classified as a renewable energy source because it replenishes itself naturally and is sustainable for millions of years.
Contribution of Geothermal Energy in Resolving Energy Insecurity
Geothermal energy is environmentally sustainable, and since it is indigenous, it can lead to energy security. Energy insecurity occurs when a country’s access to affordable and reliable energy sources is under threat due to various factors. These factors may include socio-political factors that disrupt the energy supply chain, economic instability, or environmental risks that affect energy production.
Geothermal energy development can contribute to energy security because it is not subject to the volatility of international markets. Instead, it relies on a constant and reliable supply of energy that is unaffected by global geopolitical tensions. Therefore, geothermal energy can serve as a stable and sustainable source of energy for countries that depend on unsustainable or volatile sources of energy such as fossil fuels.
The Role of Geothermal Energy in Resolving Social Conflicts
Social conflicts often arise in areas where there is an imbalance of power, resource scarcity, and disputed territories. In these areas, conflicts arise regarding access and control over the available resources. Such conflicts are prevalent in regions with significant oil and gas reserves. Geothermal energy’s development can potentially reduce the intensity of these conflicts by providing alternative sources of energy that are not subject to geopolitical disputes.
The development of geothermal energy typically involves drilling geothermal wells for the extraction of heat from the earth’s crust. This process generally takes place in rural areas where communities often have lower electricity access rates. The introduction of geothermal energy can increase access to electricity in these communities, providing significant benefits such as improved healthcare outcomes, educational opportunities, and economic development. Therefore, geothermal energy can play a vital role in reducing conflicts surrounding energy access and control.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy represents a promising renewable energy source that provides a stable and sustainable source of energy for countries that depend on unsustainable or volatile sources of energy such as fossil fuels. The development of geothermal energy can lead to greater energy security and reduce the intensity of social conflicts surrounding energy access and control. As such, governments, energy companies, and international institutions must continue to invest in the development of geothermal energy infrastructure to realize its full potential in resolving energy insecurity and social conflicts.