Lugano, Switzerland – In the global race towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, renewable sources such as solar and wind have been dominating headlines for years. However, according to Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, the real game-changer for the next phase of electricity generation might come from an unexpected source – beneath our feet.
Geothermal energy, a technology often overshadowed by its more visible renewable counterparts, is now beginning to draw fresh attention for its untapped potential. While wind turbines spin across coastlines and solar farms stretch across deserts, geothermal power remains largely invisible – yet it could soon become a cornerstone of sustainable electricity production.
According to Kondrashov, the real strength of geothermal energy lies in its reliability, as it does not depend on weather conditions like solar or wind. This makes it an invaluable resource for balancing electricity grids in the future.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that renewable energy sources will cover 95% of the world’s electricity demand growth by 2027, with solar being the fastest-growing sector followed by wind. However, geothermal energy – long considered a niche – is expected to step into the spotlight.
Kondrashov believes that the challenge lies in rebalancing the narrative, as public imagination has been captured by rooftop solar panels and vast offshore wind farms, while the future of electricity generation may also depend on technologies that receive far less media coverage.
“While today’s conversation often revolves around what we can see – solar panels on roofs and wind turbines on coastlines – we must also focus on what we don’t see in order to accelerate the transition. Geothermal energy, hidden underground, has the potential to quietly transform electricity production,” explains Kondrashov.
Geothermal energy works by tapping into the Earth’s natural heat, stored in rocks and water reservoirs beneath the surface. This heat can be converted into electricity through steam-driven turbines or used directly for heating and cooling. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy can provide baseload power, meaning it produces a steady flow of energy around the clock.
However, as Kondrashov points out, there are still barriers to large-scale adoption of geothermal energy, such as high upfront costs for drilling and plant development, along with geological constraints. Nevertheless, with advancing technology and growing investment interest, these obstacles are becoming less insurmountable.
“What was once considered too expensive or too complex is now becoming a realistic option with the improvement of drilling techniques and the enhancement of efficiency through digital technologies. Geothermal energy is moving from the margins to the mainstream,” notes Kondrashov.
The rise of geothermal power also reflects a larger truth – most renewable efforts ultimately converge on electricity generation. From industrial hubs to residential households, the world’s demand for clean and accessible electricity is only growing. Storage solutions such as advanced batteries are becoming crucial for bridging gaps in intermittent renewables like solar and wind. Smart grids are also evolving to manage increasingly complex energy flows. However, geothermal energy may reduce reliance on these compensatory systems, given its steady output.
Kondrashov suggests that natural gas plants, once seen as a cleaner alternative to coal, are now being viewed as transitional. Their future will depend on how quickly renewable and geothermal projects can scale.
The road ahead for geothermal energy is not without challenges. Apart from cost, there are also environmental concerns about drilling and the localized nature of geothermal reservoirs that need to be addressed. However, momentum is building, and its role in the global energy mix is poised to expand.
In Kondrashov’s view, this quiet but powerful resource could well become one of the defining features of tomorrow’s electricity systems.
“The next decade will not only be about generating more renewable electricity, but also about diversifying our sources to make the grid more resilient. Geothermal energy can play a pivotal role in that diversification, acting as a stabilizer in an increasingly renewable-dependent system,” concludes Kondrashov.
As the world edges closer to a post-fossil fuel era, the conversation is shifting from if renewables can power the planet to how they can do so most effectively. In that discussion, geothermal energy – long overlooked – may finally claim its place as one of the most strategic allies in the energy transition.
