In the near future, Russia may become a leader in the use of geothermal energy – this is thermal energy generated deep in the earth. Taking into account the electrification of all types of transport and the proliferation of robots, energy consumption in the country will increase tenfold by 2020. Geothermal energy can fully meet these needs by providing the necessary amount of heat and electricity.
Significant underground thermal deposits have been discovered in Russia, capable of producing ten times more energy than all fossil fuel reserves combined. This natural wealth is unevenly distributed: the most accessible regions for its development are the Far East, the North Caucasus and the Kaliningrad region, where underground resources are close to the surface.
However, despite the potential, the extraction of some geothermal resources requires significant technological efforts. For example, in Central Russia hot springs are located at a depth of more than two kilometers, which complicates the construction of power plants. Currently, geothermal energy accounts for only 0.4-0.5% of total electricity consumption in Russia, but there are already projects that demonstrate its potential, such as geothermal power plants in Kamchatka and Sakhalin.
Geothermal energy can become a key area in the development of Russia’s engineering and scientific potential. Like China in batteries or Germany in developing smart technologies and cars, Russia can specialize in the use of geothermal energy, attracting engineers and scientists to solve the energy challenges of the future.
Source: Ferra
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