Geothermal — A Quiet Energy Revolution in the United States

The United States is experiencing a geothermal energy revolution, with multi-level technological breakthroughs—from shallow ground-source heat exchange systems to deep enhanced geothermal technologies—reshaping the country’s energy industry. This transformation includes innovative applications in urban high-rise buildings as well as cutting-edge drilling technologies supported by tech giants like Bill Gates and Google.

Last month, the largest high-rise ground-source heat exchange system in the U.S., The Riverie, was put into operation in Brooklyn. The apartment building is drilled with 320 boreholes below it, utilizing the Earth’s natural constant temperature to provide heating and cooling. According to Scientific American, compared to traditional residential buildings, this system is expected to reduce heating and cooling carbon emissions by 53% annually.

Meanwhile, enhanced geothermal technology is rapidly advancing. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that by 2050, enhanced geothermal projects could supply about 90 gigawatts of carbon-free energy, enough to power at least 65 million homes. This emerging field has received clear support from the Trump administration, which is rare for clean energy technologies in the U.S. across party lines.

The surge in energy demand driven by the artificial intelligence boom is a key catalyst for growth in geothermal investments. The deep involvement of tech giants and technological innovation are driving the U.S. to potentially become a global leader in this emerging sector.

Geothermal Energy Illustration

Shallow Ground-Source Systems Breakthrough in Urban Buildings

The Riverie project exemplifies the practical application of geothermal exchange technology in urban environments. The system uses relatively shallow and easily drillable boreholes to transfer the relatively warm underground temperature into the building during winter, and reverse operation in summer to pump heat underground.

According to Scientific American, because this system only moves heat rather than generates it, its energy efficiency advantages are significant. Although upfront costs and regulatory hurdles may hinder similar projects elsewhere, in many scenarios, the economic and environmental benefits outweigh the costs. The Riverie is likely to become a pioneer in a larger movement, making such systems more common in cities across the U.S. and globally.

Enhanced Geothermal Technology Attracts Tech Giants’ Investment

In contrast to shallow ground-source systems, enhanced geothermal technology takes a completely different approach—developing new methods capable of drilling to unprecedented depths. Traditionally, geothermal systems are only feasible where natural heat escapes from the Earth’s core, such as at hot springs and geysers.

To make geothermal energy a viable alternative energy source that can be applied almost anywhere on Earth, global geothermal startups are developing enhanced geothermal technologies capable of drilling to extreme depths. These startups draw on techniques from hydraulic fracturing and even nuclear fusion, seeking more advanced methods to blast and melt bedrock to access core heat.

Houston-based Fervo Energy and other enhanced geothermal startups have received support from major figures and capital in the tech industry, including Bill Gates and Google. Drew Nelson, Vice President of Project InnerSpace, told Cipher News last year, “The U.S. has multiple superpowers, and one of them is drilling into the ground and extracting resources from these holes—more economical and efficient than almost anywhere else on Earth.”

Artificial Intelligence Becomes a Double-Edged Sword

The AI boom is driving increased investment in geothermal R&D, serving as a key catalyst for technological progress. While AI is creating energy challenges that geothermal can help solve, it also provides critical solutions for geothermal development and deployment. AI tools are increasingly used to identify optimal locations for geothermal systems.

However, geothermal expansion still faces significant challenges, including high upfront costs and a talent shortage in this emerging and relatively little-known industry. While enhanced geothermal technology receives most of the attention and encounters major bottlenecks, smaller and more low-profile projects like The Riverie continue to break ground, changing urban heating and cooling methods. These small breakthroughs could accumulate into a major energy efficiency revolution in the coming years.

Risk Warning and Disclaimer

Market risks are present; investments should be cautious. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not consider individual users’ specific investment goals, financial situations, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular circumstances. Invest at your own risk.