Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — As the world shifts toward renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, geothermal energy has emerged as a crucial resource for sustainable electricity generation. Countries with abundant geothermal resources are increasingly turning to this renewable energy source to meet growing demands while minimizing environmental impacts.
The largest producers of geothermal power globally include the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and New Zealand. These countries have successfully harnessed geothermal power to generate significant portions of their electricity, making them leaders in this field.
1. United States – 3.7 Gigawatts
The United States leads the world in geothermal electricity production, with an installed capacity of over 3.7 gigawatts (GW). Most of this capacity is concentrated in California, which is home to the Geysers, the largest geothermal field in the world. The U.S. has been a pioneer in geothermal development, with substantial potential for future growth.
2. Indonesia – 2.6 Gigawatts
Indonesia ranks as the second-largest geothermal energy producer in the world. With an installed capacity of approximately 2.6 GW, Indonesia taps into its vast geothermal resources, which account for around 40% of the global potential. While the country is home to the second-highest geothermal capacity, it has only developed a fraction of its estimated 24 GW potential. The Indonesian government has set ambitious targets to increase geothermal energy use as part of its renewable energy mix, aiming for a 23% renewable energy share by 2025 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
3. Philippines – 1.9 Gigawatts
The Philippines comes in third in global geothermal production, with an installed capacity of around 1.9 GW. The country has long relied on geothermal power as a significant part of its energy mix, contributing about 10% of its total electricity generation. The Philippines, like Indonesia, is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, providing it with abundant geothermal resources.
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4. Turkey – 1.7 Gigawatts
Turkey has rapidly expanded its geothermal power production in recent years, with an installed capacity of over 1.7 GW. The country’s aggressive development of geothermal projects has made it one of the fastest-growing geothermal energy markets globally, and it continues to invest in new facilities.
5. New Zealand – 1 Gigawatts
New Zealand rounds out the top five geothermal power producers, with an installed capacity of around 1 GW. Geothermal energy is a key contributor to New Zealand’s renewable energy sector, providing about 17% of the country’s electricity needs. Its geothermal development is largely focused in the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the North Island.
Indonesia’s Future in Geothermal Energy
While Indonesia currently ranks second globally in geothermal power production, the nation’s untapped potential is enormous. With about 24 GW of geothermal resources, Indonesia has the capacity to significantly increase its production, closing the gap with the United States and further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The country’s geothermal power plants also play a vital role in job creation and reducing carbon emissions, helping to cut 17.4 million tons of CO2 annually.
Indonesia’s ongoing investment in geothermal resources, projected to reach USD $8.7 billion by 2024, demonstrates its commitment to expanding the use of this sustainable energy source. If development continues at this pace, Indonesia is well-positioned to become the world leader in geothermal energy in the near future.
As global demand for clean energy rises, geothermal power will continue to be a vital resource for reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security. Countries like Indonesia, with abundant geothermal reserves, will play an increasingly critical role in the global transition to renewable energy.
(Raidi/Agung)
