The Global Solar Power Tracker is a worldwide dataset of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal facilities. It covers all operating solar farm phases with capacities of shelved projects with capacities greater than 20 MW. Sedimentary basins defined using Evenick,J.C., 2021, Glimpses into Earth's history using a revised global sedimentary basin map, Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 215, 2021, 103564, ISSN 0012-8252, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103564.

This map shows wind power plants located above sedimentary basins with more than 1 km of sediment, where the underlying aquifers could potentially be used for thermal energy storage. The wind installation data comes from the Global Wind Power Tracker (GWPT), a worldwide dataset of utility-scale onshore and offshore wind facilities with capacities of 10 MW or more. The dataset, published by Global Energy Monitor, was sourced from the February 2024 release. Sedimentary basins defined using OZSeebase: https://www.geognostics.com/ozseebase.

This map illustrates the cumulative potential down to 5,000 meters, expressed in GW. Applying a 90°C cutoff, representing the minimum threshold typically required for efficient operation of geothermal-driven absorption chillers used in district cooling, we estimate district-level geothermal energy reserves in Gigawatts (GW) in sedimentary aquifers. Sedimentary basins are uniquely poised for a geothermal revolution due to their geological characteristics, these basins feature sedimentary aquifers often with high porosity and permeability, allowing them to store and transmit geothermal fluids efficiently.

Boundaries for world countries as of August 2022.

Data centers have a unique and consistent demand for both electricity and cooling, making them ideal candidates for geothermal energy adoption. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, geothermal energy provides reliable baseload power, enabling data centers to reduce their reliance on fossil-fuel-based grids and enhance their operational sustainability. Additionally, the cooling demands of data centers present a synergistic match with geothermal systems, as geothermal cooling technology can efficiently manage the significant heat generated by data center servers. This integration not only reduces the overall energy footprint of these facilities but also supports operational stability and cost predictability, which are critical for data center management.

Fiber Node and Submarine Cables

Todays Power Potential GW 5000m

Todays Global Data Center Favorability Map at 5000m

Different crustal facies have varying thermal conductivities, which influence the ability of the Earth's crust to conduct heat. Understanding the thermal properties of crustal facies is critical for assessing the subsurface's heat transfer capabilities. Facies with high thermal conductivity can facilitate the transfer of heat from deeper geological layers to shallower depths, potentially enhancing geothermal potential. In addition, crustal facies can vary in their radiogenic heat production. Some facies may contain higher concentrations of radioactive elements, which generate heat through radioactive decay. These heat-producing facies can contribute to higher subsurface temperatures and potentially increase the geothermal potential of an area.

There is a high spatial correlation between negative velocity perturbations, plate boundaries and deformation zones revealed by shear wave tomography. Plate boundaries and deformation zones often serve as conduits for advection; 80% of recently active Quaternary volcanoes lie within these zones. Shear wave tomography can assist in pinpointing the locations of these tectonic features beyond surface expressions and is an important data source when considering geothermal exploration. The map highlights S-wave velocity deviations (δVs) from the regional average (4.38 km/s) at 110 km depths. Higher Vs (dark blue, purple) indicates colder, thicker lithosphere.

Geothermal wells across Australia

This map shows the different types of geothermal titles across Australia. The classification includes applications, exploration permits, leases, and various title statuses relevant to geothermal energy development.

This weighted overlay analysis (WOA) layer provides approximate scores for the potential for converting existing coal plants to geothermal plants. By incorporating various factors such as subsurface conditions, aquifer stress, seismicity, CO2 emissions, remaining plant lifetime, and energy community layers, the WOA layer helps identify locations where geothermal energy may be efficiently harnessed. This assessment comprises a first-pass screening tool to support strategic decision-making for transitioning to geothermal energy.

This weighted overlay analysis (WOA) layer provides approximate scores for the potential for powering existing important industrial complexes with geothermal energy. By incorporating various factors such as subsurface conditions, aquifer stress, seismicity, total heating demand, and energy community layers, the WOA layer helps identify locations where geothermal energy may be effectively utilized. This assessment comprises a first-pass screening tool to support strategic decision-making for transitioning to geothermal energy.

Todays Power Potential
GW 5000m

Todays Power Potential
GW 5000m

This map illustrates the cumulative potential down to 5,000 meters, expressed in GW by Local Government Area. Applying a 90°C cutoff, representing the minimum threshold typically required for efficient operation of geothermal-driven absorption chillers used in district cooling, we estimate district-level geothermal energy reserves in Gigawatts (GW) in sedimentary aquifers. Sedimentary basins are uniquely poised for a geothermal revolution due to their geological characteristics, these basins feature sedimentary aquifers often with high porosity and permeability, allowing them to store and transmit geothermal fluids efficiently.

The depth of the Moho is an indicator of the thickness of the Earth's crust. Thicker crusts generally result in more heat production due to the presence of radioactive isotopes (U, K and Th) in the Earth's crust. As a result, the heat flow from the Earth's interior to the surface is influenced by the thickness of the crust. The amount of decay depends strongly on geology, but in areas of thick crust it may contribute more than 50% of total heat flux at the surface. The Moho depth also plays a role in the conductive heat transfer from the Earth's interior to the surface. The deeper the Moho, the longer the path for heat to travel from the mantle to the crust. Conventional geothermal fields demonstrate a shallowing of the Moho (Hermant et al., 2019)

Thicker crusts generally result in more heat production due to the presence of radioactive isotopes (U, K and Th) in the Earth’s crust. As a result, the heat flow from the Earth’s interior to the surface is influenced by the thickness of the crust. The amount of decay depends strongly on geology, but in areas of thick crust it may contribute more than 50% of total heat flux at the surface. Continental collision zones with stacked upper crustal nappes and, hence, thicker radiogenic heat producing layers, can cause long-lived positive thermal anomalies.

By measuring the temperature at various depths, geoscientists can characterize the thermal properties of the subsurface, such as the temperature distribution with depth and the presence of thermal anomalies. This information aids in identifying favourable geothermal reservoirs for development.

Surface heat flow is a direct indicator of the thermal energy emanating from the Earth’s interior. Regions with high surface heat flow often indicate a greater potential for geothermal resources.

The geothermal gradient is the rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth’s crust. It serves as a direct indicator of the subsurface temperature conditions. A higher geothermal gradient indicates a more rapid increase in temperature with depth.

Potential for Spatial Cooling

This map shows population density in 2020, measured in residents per square kilometre. The data is from the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) 2023 produced by the European Commission JRC and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network at Columbia University. Integrating huge volumes of satellite data with national census data, the GHSL describes in detail the settlement geography of the entire globe, and has applications for a wide range of research and policy related to urban growth, development and sustainability. The GHSL records the complexity and diversity of human settlement, beyond simple rural-urban divisions.

This layer highlights cities with technical potential for spatial cooling, derived from a weighted overlay analysis. The methodology integrates key factors such as proximity to urban areas with populations exceeding 300,000, population density, and energy demand for cooling.
Using a Weighted Overlap Analysis (WOA), these factors were combined with specific weights -40% for energy potential, 30% for population density, and 30% for city proximity- to evaluate and rank regions globally.

This layer identifies optimal industrial facility clusters for networked geothermal heating, where economies of scale may justify infrastructure costs. Using a network optimization model, developed with Lukas Franken from the University of Edinburgh, this layer assesses the feasibility of clustered geothermal heating demand through optimized thermal energy networks. It provides a critical tool for evaluating the economic viability of connected geothermal heating systems across industrial clusters.

This weighted overlay analysis (WOA) layer provides approximate scores to assess the potential for converting industrial facilities to geothermal energy. By analyzing factors like subsurface conditions, aquifer stress, seismicity, and heating demand, the WOA layer identifies sites where geothermal energy could meet industrial heating needs, promoting decarbonization through direct-use geothermal applications. This analysis offers a preliminary tool for identifying suitable locations for geothermal conversions within the industrial sector.

InnerSpace’s Subsurface Favorability Map was developed through a Weighted Overlay Analysis, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based technique that integrates multiple spatial data layers while assigning varying weights based on their relevance and significance for a specific objective.

The hydrothermal resources layer plays a crucial role in geothermal exploration by identifying and prioritizing areas with high potential for hydrothermal activity. This layer integrates key geological, geophysical, and geochemical factors to create a comprehensive favorability map, helping to pinpoint locations where hydrothermal systems are most likely to exist.