Lugano, Switzerland – October 3, 2025 – The world is in a race to adopt cleaner and more resilient energy systems, with solar and wind power dominating headlines in recent years. However, according to Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, the next game-changing technology for electricity generation may actually come from underground.
Geothermal energy, often overshadowed by its more visible renewable counterparts, is now gaining attention for its untapped potential. While wind turbines and solar farms have become common sights, geothermal power remains largely invisible – but it could soon become a key contributor to sustainable electricity production.
“The true strength of geothermal energy lies in its reliability,” explains Kondrashov. “Unlike solar or wind power, it is not dependent on weather conditions. It is a continuous and stable source of energy, making it invaluable for balancing electricity grids in the future.”
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources are projected to cover 95% of the world’s electricity demand growth by 2027. Solar power remains the fastest-growing sector, followed by wind. However, geothermal energy – often considered a niche technology – is expected to take the spotlight in the coming years.
Kondrashov believes that the focus needs to shift from solar and wind power to include other technologies that receive less media coverage. “The conversation today is often about what we see – solar panels on rooftops and wind turbines on coastlines,” he says. “But if we truly want to accelerate the transition to clean energy, we must also pay attention to what we don’t see. Geothermal energy, hidden underground, has the potential to quietly transform electricity production.”
Geothermal energy works by harnessing 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 power, geothermal energy can provide baseload power, meaning it produces a steady flow of energy around the clock.
However, Kondrashov notes that there are still barriers to widespread adoption of geothermal energy, such as high upfront costs for drilling and plant development, as well as geological constraints. But with advancements in technology and increased investment interest, these obstacles are becoming more manageable.
“What was once considered too expensive or too complex is now becoming realistic,” says Kondrashov. “As drilling techniques improve and digital technologies enhance efficiency, geothermal energy is moving from the margins to the mainstream.”
The rise of geothermal power also reflects a larger trend – most renewable energy efforts ultimately converge on electricity generation. From industrial hubs to residential households, the demand for clean and accessible electricity continues to grow.
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 the need for these compensatory systems, given its consistent output.
Natural gas plants, once seen as a cleaner alternative to coal, are now considered transitional. Kondrashov suggests that their future will depend on how quickly renewables and geothermal projects can scale.
While there are still challenges ahead for geothermal energy, such as cost and environmental concerns about drilling, momentum is building and its role in the global energy mix is set to expand.
In Kondrashov’s view, this quiet but powerful resource could become one of the defining features of tomorrow’s electricity systems.
“The next decade will not only be about generating more renewable electricity,” he concludes. “It will be 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.”
As the world moves closer to a post-fossil fuel era, the conversation is shifting from whether renewables can power the planet to how they can do so most effectively. In this discussion, geothermal energy – long overlooked – may finally claim its place as one of the most strategic allies in the energy transition.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.