The global energy transition can be metaphorically viewed as a patchwork quilt. The “design perspective” has the same endgame as the global energy mix should ideally consist of a variety of energy-rich patches. This is why patches of energy are rising worldwide, including in America. Now, a not-so-new, strange sector is gaining traction, and the U.S. will soon have the largest stake of all. While it may seem unnatural at first glance, a tad of innovation has made this natural energy resource even more sustainable.
Energy-rich patches of the global energy mix
When all the patches of a quilt blanket come together, it makes for a wonderful keepsake. In the case of the global energy mix, the planet and its sustainability are our keepsake. Some of the most popular patches, or renewable energy resources, typically sought after worldwide include solar, wind, and hydro energy.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), from 2025 to 2030, the global energy mix is predicted to increase by nearly 4,600 GW, with solar responsible 80% of this capacity growth. However, some nations are showing increased interest in a certain energy resource that has been overlooked in the past. This is evident with the number of energy-rich patches suddenly becoming part of the global energy mix.
America is one of the nations showing increased interest, and will soon boast the largest patch of them all in one particular state. Additionally, this state has shown great innovation by making this resource “greener” than it was previously.
Gaining traction worldwide, but America has the largest
The most underrated renewable energy resource globally is geothermal energy. By the end of 2025, the global geothermal capacity was approximately 17,173 MW, the smallest of the energy mix. Fortunately, America realizes its great potential, with one state’s giant plant set to go online soon.
Bill Gates and Breakthrough Energy are two key supporters of geothermal energy, as it generates clean power without interruption. However, Utah’s Cape Station Geothermal Project stands out by proving that expertise in oil and gas drilling can be game-changing for geothermal energy. Fervo Energy is the project developer, and the company’s drilling method will make this renewable energy resource more accessible.
Typically, geologically active regions such as California and Iceland have geothermal power plants, as they don’t require deep drilling. But Fervo Energy uses “horizontal drilling,” which enables drilling 5,000 feet deep. The oil and gas industry is known for this approach, making it ingenious, as minimal job retraining is required.
Adding a tad of innovation to make it more green
According to Gates Notes, this method enables easier scalability, but Cape Station’s innovation does not end at its drilling method. Geothermal energy plants lose significant amounts of water in the form of steam. Seeing as nearly 94% of Utah is experiencing drought conditions, sustaining water is highly crucial. This is why Fervo Energy has designed a closed system.
This closed system ensures that water that could have been lost is captured and recirculated to continue operations. This is why this plant in Beaver County is expected to be the largest enhanced geothermal system (EGS) worldwide, with some of the deepest wells ever!
“Geothermal power will have a big role to play in our clean energy future.” – Bill Gates
Once the plant goes online in 2026, it will generate 70 MW and aims to achieve full capacity, or 400 MW, by 2028. According to Think GeoEnergy, some of the plant’s clean power will be transmitted to nearly 350,000 Southern Californian homes. It goes to show how a tad of innovation can potentially reshape the global energy mix. Soon, investment in EGS will be the smartest move one can make, giving rise to more plants worldwide. We may even have our “keepsake” sooner than anticipated!
Anke Maree is a writer with a clear and engaging editorial style. Her work focuses on making complex topics accessible, informative, and relevant for readers across different areas of interest.
