How long can geothermal resources commonly be used before their output declines?

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geothermal energy The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant, Iceland.

Geothermal resources are generally expected to be used for 20 to 30 years before their output may decline, potentially rendering continued development uneconomical. This decline occurs when the rate of heat extraction exceeds the rate of natural heat recharge.1

However, this timeframe is not a fixed limit. With proper management, geothermal resources can remain sustainable for much longer periods. For example, the Larderello geothermal field has been in continuous operation since the early 1900s, and the Geysers in California have been active since 1960. Operators can mitigate output declines by drilling new wells and recharging the reservoir with water. Furthermore, if use is suspended for a period, these resources have the capacity to recover.1