Global geothermal energy capacity 2009-2023

The installed capacity of geothermal energy has gradually increased worldwide over the last decade, reaching some 14.9 gigawatts in 2023. Geothermal technologies are among the growing renewable energy trend occurring across the world, as environmentally friendly technologies are sought after due to lower emissions and the use of a renewable source. 

Which country uses the most geothermal energy?

After the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines lead the world in terms of cumulative nameplate geothermal power capacity installed. These three countries still have plenty of geothermal projects under development and are also home to some of the largest geothermal plants in the world. However, in 2020, Turkey installed the most geothermal capacity additions at 99 megawatts, after completing several new projects.

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is derived from thermal energy that is contained beneath the Earth’s crust. The geothermal energy captured through the water and steam carried to the Earth’s surface can be used to generated electricity or for heating and cooling. To produce electricity, wells are often drilled into underground reservoirs to access the steam or hot water that can then drive electricity generators.