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.

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.

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.

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