Energy security shocks drive geothermal and solar advances

Nature has published an explanatory article on how recent geopolitical and climate-related shocks are reshaping global energy security, with discussion of geothermal and solar technologies as part of the response.

• The article describes the effects of the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted oil and LNG flows and pushed Brent crude to US$126 a barrel in April; it also notes regional fuel-price protests and economic strain in multiple countries.
• It highlights enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and next-generation solar cells as potential solutions, citing Fervo Energy’s Cape Station in Utah, which began delivering power in September and plans 500 MW by 2028; it also cites estimates of $80/MWh by 2027 for EGS and a possible drop to $50 by 2035.
• The piece is primarily analysis/commentary rather than a new company announcement, and it references prior developments and expert views from the IEA, RUSI, University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University.