300 GW: US military bases hold some of the largest untapped geothermal resources

Project InnerSpace has identified significant geothermal energy potential across U.S. military installations, with more than 300 gigawatts of possible electricity generation using existing drilling technology. The findings were published just weeks after the administration announced its Fortress America program to strengthen energy security at military facilities. The report examines where geothermal energy could help military bases generate their own electricity and remain operational during prolonged power outages. It also outlines how installations could reduce their dependence on civilian electricity grids and fuel deliveries. Military bases hold untapped geothermal potential The U.S. military already has some experience using geothermal energy. A large U.S. Naval facility in California has generated geothermal electricity since 1987. An Army installation in Louisiana has also used ground-source heat pumps for decades. However, these projects remain limited compared with the potential identified in the report. Most military bases still depend on civilian power grids and diesel generators for backup electricity. While these systems can handle outages lasting several hours, they may struggle during disruptions that continue for weeks or months. The report identifies geothermal resources beneath military-owned land as a potential solution. Unlike conventional power sources, geothermal systems do not require regular fuel deliveries. They can also operate within military installations, allowing infrastructure to be protected against physical attacks, cyberattacks, and electromagnetic pulse events. Report maps opportunities across installations The analysis identifies more than 300 gigawatts-electric of technical electricity generation potential across 158 military installations using current drilling technology. Drilling to depths of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) could increase that figure fivefold to 1,575 gigawatts-electric. The report also examines other applications. Industrial process heat could provide almost 2,000 gigawatts-thermal across 402 installations. Geothermal-driven absorption cooling could deliver more than 370 gigawatts-thermal across 142 installations. High-temperature thermal energy networks could offer nearly 900 gigawatts-thermal of heating capacity across 183 installations. Meanwhile, ground-source heat pumps and low-temperature networks could provide more than 1,500 gigawatts-thermal across 238 installations. All military branches could benefit The report estimates that Army installations have around 90 gigawatts-electric of technical geothermal potential. Navy and Marine Corps facilities account for more than 110 gigawatts-electric, while Air Force and Space Force installations have over 105 gigawatts-electric. The analysis used Project InnerSpace’s GeoMap and GeoForce platforms. Chris Murray of Poterre LLC and retired U.S. Air Force Major General Ken Wisian, PhD, authored the report. Its findings were also peer-reviewed by representatives from every branch of the U.S. military. “The heat beneath America’s military bases is a strategic asset, just like runways, ports, and fuel depots. The military already owns the land and has the contracting tools to develop this unbreakable energy. This report gives decision-makers a base-by-base map of where to start,” said Wisian. Geothermal could strengthen military readiness The findings come as energy security becomes an increasingly important concern for military planners. Attacks on critical infrastructure, extreme weather, and disruptions to global fuel supplies can threaten the ability of military installations to remain operational. “At a time when adversaries are probing critical infrastructure for vulnerabilities and conflicts abroad strain global supply chains, energy resilience at our military bases is an urgent national security imperative,” said Jamie Beard, Executive Director of Project InnerSpace. She added that geothermal energy could help protect military installations from fuel shortages and supply chain disruptions while supporting operational readiness. The new report is titled ‘From Bases to Baseload: Geothermal Development and Energy Security on American Military Bases’. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.