Kenya ranked 6th in the world for geothermal energy

• ThinkGeoEnergy has released its Top 10 Geothermal Countries overview based on installed geothermal power generation capacity as of year-end 2024. 
• Together, the top ten countries account for 93% of the world’s installed geothermal capacity, underscoring their dominant position in the sector.

This year’s data highlights incremental but consistent growth, with a total of 16,873 MW of installed capacity globally, supported by 35 countries producing geothermal power. With 14 new plants and capacity expansions adding 389 MW in 2024, optimism remains high for the sector’s potential, particularly as transformative technologies emerge.

Top 10 Geothermal Countries – Year-End 2024

1. United States: 3,937 MW – Slight adjustments reflect updated reports; the U.S. continues to lead globally in geothermal installed capacity.
2. Indonesia: 2,653 MW – Government corrected data and notable additions include Sorik Marapi Unit 5, Salak, and Lahendong expansions.
3. Philippines: 1,984 MW – Capacity grew with additions at Tiwi, Palayan, and Biliran projects.
4. Türkiye: 1,734 MW – New plants such as GreenEco 7, Open Mountain T-01, and Hez Morali contributed to growth.
5. New Zealand: 1,207 MW – The Tauhara II plant, commissioned at 174 MW, was the largest single addition globally in 2024.
6. Kenya: 985 MW – Kenya inches closer to joining the “1 GW Club,” with progress at Menengai and other projects.
7. Mexico: 976 MW – Minor updates and confirmations align with recent government reports.
8. Italy: 916 MW – Reflects updated accuracy from a reassessment of earlier data.
9. Iceland: 786 MW – Includes expansions like Reykjanes and continued operational efficiency.
10. Japan: 601 MW – Projects like Appi, Suginoi, and Minami-Kayabe showcase Japan’s incremental growth.

Progress remains gradual

The largest single contribution came from New Zealand’s Tauhara II project at 174 MW, followed by a mix of smaller-scale developments and binary plant additions globally. At the same time, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS) represent significant potential but remain in early stages, requiring further investment and technological breakthroughs.

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Author: Bryan Groenendaal