Utilization of Geothermal Energy for Sustainable Global Development

In the beginning of this new century, the rational use of energy becomes a keyword for the world sustainable development both in developed and developing countries. Geothermal resources have the potential of contributing significantly to sustainable energy use in many parts of the world. Geothermal energy has been used commercially for about one century and its large-scale utilization (hundreds of MW) started about 40 years ago, both for electricity generation and for direct application as space heating and combined with heat pumps. The technology, reliability, economics, and environmental acceptability of direct use of geothermal energy have been demonstrated throughout the world. The aim of the present article is to investigate the contribution of geothermal energy to global energy demand and utilization of geothermal energy.