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The sun affects deep geothermal energy

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Listed:
  • He, Jifu
  • Li, Kewen
  • Wen, Dongguang
  • Chen, Yang
  • Shi, Yanxin
  • Wu, Haidong
  • Hao, Wenjie
  • Jin, Cong

Abstract

Traditionally, solar energy is thought to influence only shallow soil layers, not deep geothermal heat. Here, we challenge this conventional view by investigating the relationship between Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) and Geothermal Heat Flux (GHF) at a global scale. DNI represents the intensity of solar energy, while GHF quantifies the geothermal energy from Earth's interior to its surface per unit area, serving as a key indicator of subsurface thermal conditions. Our study reveals a novel V-shaped correlation between DNI and GHF globally, characterized by a turning point at a DNI of about 4 kWh/m2. This relationship holds across varying elevations and Moho depths, suggesting a fundamental link between solar irradiance and Earth's internal heat dynamics. The fact that many high temperature geothermal power plants in the world are located in regions with high DNI values validates the new discovery. Our findings not only revolutionize the exploration methodology for geothermal energy, potentially aiding in the identification of high temperature geothermal resources, but also propose a groundbreaking hypothesis involving solar neutrinos mediating this unexpected relationship. This research opens new avenues for interdisciplinary investigations into geothermal science, solar energy, and their roles in sustainable energy solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Jifu & Li, Kewen & Wen, Dongguang & Chen, Yang & Shi, Yanxin & Wu, Haidong & Hao, Wenjie & Jin, Cong, 2025. "The sun affects deep geothermal energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:245:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125004446
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122782
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caner Çuhac & Anne Mäkiranta & Petri Välisuo & Erkki Hiltunen & Mohammed Elmusrati, 2020. "Temperature Measurements on a Solar and Low Enthalpy Geothermal Open-Air Asphalt Surface Platform in a Cold Climate Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Monica Pozzo & Chris Davies & David Gubbins & Dario Alfè, 2012. "Thermal and electrical conductivity of iron at Earth’s core conditions," Nature, Nature, vol. 485(7398), pages 355-358, May.
    3. Soltani, M. & Moradi Kashkooli, Farshad & Souri, Mohammad & Rafiei, Behnam & Jabarifar, Mohammad & Gharali, Kobra & Nathwani, Jatin S., 2021. "Environmental, economic, and social impacts of geothermal energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
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