The Government of New Zealand has taken a significant step forward in its renewable energy journey with the release of the national geothermal strategy titled From the Ground Up By: Robert Buluma    A strategy to unlock New Zealand’s geothermal potential on March 17, 2026. This comprehensive plan, developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), aims to dramatically expand the role of geothermal energy in the country's energy mix, regional development, and industrial sectors. At its core is an ambitious target: to double geothermal energy use by 2040. New Zealand is already a global leader in geothermal utilization. Geothermal resources currently supply around one-fifth of the nation's electricity, with installed capacity approaching or exceeding 1.3 GW in recent years. In 2024-2025 data, geothermal generation contributed roughly 8,741 GWh annually, representing about 18-20% of total electricity production. This makes it the second-largest renewable sou...

Vulcan Energy's Lionheart Project: A Groundbreaking Milestone in Sustainable Lithium Production for Europe By: Robert Buluma In a major development for Europe's push toward energy independence and green technology, Vulcan Energy Resources has secured its first lithium production permit for the flagship Lionheart Project. Announced recently, this license represents the first of its kind in Germany's Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field and specifically in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The permit paves the way for commercial lithium extraction integrated with renewable geothermal energy, marking a pivotal step in building a domestic, low-carbon supply chain for critical raw materials. This achievement comes as the Lionheart Project is already fully funded and under active construction, following a substantial financing package and multiple prior regulatory approvals. With commercial production targeted for 2028, Vulcan Energy is positioning itself as a leader in sustainab...

  Unleashing Geothermal Power: How the STEAM Act Could Transform U.S. Energy By: Robert Buluma The United States stands at a critical juncture in its energy history. While solar and wind power have seen remarkable growth over the past two decades, geothermal energy—an often-overlooked, 24/7 source of clean and reliable power—has yet to reach its full potential. That may soon change with the introduction of the Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms (STEAM) Act , a bipartisan bill introduced by Congresswomen Susie Lee (NV-03) and Celeste Maloy (UT-02) in the House of Representatives, with companion legislation in the Senate sponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). This legislation aims to level the playing field for geothermal energy by cutting through bureaucratic red tape and giving geothermal developers similar rights and flexibility that the oil and gas industry has enjoyed for nearly two decades. For advocates of clean ener...

  Zukunftswärme M West Secures Exploration License for Geothermal Energy By: Robert Buluma A New Chapter in Europe’s Geothermal Future Across the world, nations are racing to transition away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, more reliable sources of energy. Among the most promising solutions is geothermal energy — the heat stored beneath the Earth’s crust. In Europe, where the push for energy independence has intensified following global energy crises, deep geothermal energy is emerging as a strategic pillar of sustainable heating systems. A significant milestone in this journey has recently been achieved in Germany. The project “Zukunftswärme M West” has officially received an exploration license (Aufsuchungserlaubnis) for geothermal energy development. This authorization marks a crucial step toward unlocking deep geothermal resources that could provide clean, climate-neutral heating for communities in the Munich metropolitan region. The announcement represents more than...

Fort Polk Goes Geothermal: How a $30 Million Energy Upgrade Is Transforming U.S. Military Housing By: Robert Buluma In a world increasingly defined by energy security, climate responsibility, and infrastructure modernization, a quiet revolution is unfolding beneath the homes of thousands of U.S. military families. At the heart of this transformation is a landmark geothermal energy project completed at , where advanced ground-source heat pump systems are redefining how military housing consumes energy. The project—completed by in partnership with  between the two entities  represents a $30 million investment in clean energy, efficiency, and resilience. But beyond the numbers lies a powerful story about how geothermal technology is quietly reshaping energy systems in one of the most demanding operational environments: military installations. The project not only modernizes energy systems across thousands of homes but also sets a precedent for future energy transitions across ...

Türker Yenilenebilir Enerji Yatırım A.Ş.'s IPO Application: A New Milestone in Turkey's Renewable Energy Sector Turkey's renewable energy sector continues to advance rapidly, driven by the need for energy security, reduced import dependence, and lower carbon emissions. The country is investing heavily in wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal sources. In this context, a recent announcement from the Geothermal Energy Association (JED) has drawn significant attention: Türker Yenilenebilir Enerji Yatırım A.Ş., a subsidiary of Türkerler Holding, has submitted an application to the Capital Markets Board (SPK) for an initial public offering (IPO/halka arz). This application is more than just a company's move to list on the stock exchange—it symbolizes the growing role of the private sector in achieving Turkey's renewable energy goals. As highlighted in the JED post, the company operates a portfolio with 526 MW of installed capacity and aims to expand to 880 MW through new pro...