RIYADH: A constant source of energy beneath the Earth’s surface is showing promise for Saudi Arabia’s cooling and desalination needs, and some experts believe it could even surpass the potential of solar and wind in some cases.
Unlike other renewables that depend on sunshine or wind, geothermal energy flows steadily underground, offering year-round baseload power. It can be tapped by drilling wells to bring heat to the surface, which is either turned into steam to turn turbines and generate electricity, or used directly for cooling and desalination.
For the Kingdom, which faces soaring demand for air conditioning and potable water, it could provide a cleaner and more resilient alternative to fossil fuels.
The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in partnership with KSA-headquartered TAQA Geothermal, is testing the potential of geothermal energy through a pilot project that seeks to guide national energy policies and encourage wider development of geothermal resources.
Thomas Finkbeiner, a research professor at KAUST and one of the leaders of the initiative, said the energy source could play a central role in the Kingdom’s future.
