Using reasonable assumptions regarding how heat would be mined from stimulated EGS reservoirs, we also estimated the extractable portion to exceed 200,000 EJ or about 2,000 times the annual consumption of primary energy in the United States in 2005.

There is more than enough geothermal energy to power the planet. It’s safe, unobtrusive and 24/7/12 reliable – better than anything else available. The question is of course cost, which is an endogenous variable at the 2050 horizon There are signs Energy Secretary Moniz will at last back the struggling EGS pioneers with some serious research money. Traditional hydrothermal power is growing steadily, but its potential is limited outside a few regions.