Geothermal energy, long overshadowed by solar and wind, is gaining momentum in the United States as technological advances make drilling cheaper and faster. Recent breakthroughs allow companies to tap heat from shallow underground reservoirs to warm homes directly, sidestepping the need for massive power plants. With bipartisan support in Washington, including tax credits and research funding, the industry is positioned to scale beyond its current niche. Experts say geothermal could supply baseload power year-round, making it a crucial complement to intermittent renewables. Still, challenges remain: drilling expertise is limited, upfront costs are high, and geological surveys are still incomplete across most regions.