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Showing posts from January 22, 2023

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Tajogaite Energía and INVOLCAN Explore La Palma Geothermal Energy Potential

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Tajogaite Energía and INVOLCAN Join Forces to Explore La Palma’s Geothermal Potential Tajogaite Energía S.L. has taken a significant step toward assessing the geothermal potential of La Palma by formalising an agreement with the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (INVOLCAN). The agreement covers surface geothermal exploration and research across 19 mining grids awarded to the company by the Government of the Canary Islands, with a total value of €387,698.50. The initiative does not yet mean that a geothermal power plant will be built or that deep drilling will begin immediately. Instead, it represents an essential early phase: using advanced scientific methods to understand what lies beneath the island’s surface and identify the areas with the greatest potential for future geothermal development. A Strategic Agreement for Canary Islands Energy The collaboration between Tajogaite Energía S.L. and INVOLCAN forms part of the public tender process launched by the Canary Islands Govern...
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"GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, OPG, SNC-Lavalin and Aecon Sign Historic Contract for Deployment of Groundbreaking Small Modular Reactor at Darlington Nuclear Project Site"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
image source:(unsplash.com,Jakob Madsen) GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), SNC-Lavalinand Aecon, has signed a contract for the deployment of a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project site, marking the first commercial contract for a grid-scale SMR in North America. This groundbreaking agreement, through which GEH will provide the reactor design, encompasses a comprehensive range of project activities, including design, engineering licensing support, construction, testing, training and commissioning. Jay Wileman, President and CEO of GEH, stated, "This contract is an important milestone and solidifies our position as the leading SMR technology provider. We aim to deliver the first SMR in North America and, in doing so, lead the start of a new era of nuclear power that will provide zero-emission energy generation, energy security and energy reliability around the globe. We can’t express our appre...
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"Revolutionary Sustainable Investment: The Emergence of the Solidarity Financial Trust of Public Infrastructure NA-SA IV"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The Atucha plant site (Image: Nucleoelectrica Argentina) A financial trust has been opened in Argentina to support sustainable investment in two nuclear energy projects. Investments made in the new Solidarity Financial Trust of Public Infrastructure NA-SA IV will go to enable the licence extension for Atucha I as well as the construction of a dry storage facility for used fuel. The trust was opened on 24 January by Atucha's owner, Nucleoelectrica Argentina SA (NA-SA), with Nación Bursátil as well as Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Ares and Macro Securities. The financial firms will make placements for retail investors to invest Argentine pesos from a minimum of USD100 equivalent and receive a return of 2% per year. NA-SA told World Nuclear News that the trust was set up for a total amount of USD600 million across six tenders. This would cover both the projects, which are estimated at USD463 million for the licence extension of Atucha II and USD137 million for the dry storage facili...
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"Saudi Aramco and Terra Drone partner for a revolutionary approach to oil and gas inspection"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Oil giant Saudi Aramco is investing in Japanese drone company Terra Drone to create a subsidiary for  ... [+] TERRA DRONE Saudi Aramco, the world's leading oil producer, is making a multi-million dollar investment in Japanese drone and air mobility technology company Terra Drone as it seeks to fall in line with Saudi Arabia's long-term initiative to reduce the nation's dependence on hydrocarbons. The companies announced late Tuesday that through its $200 million venture capital arm, Wa'ed Ventures, Saudi Aramco is investing $14 million in Terra Drone which, in turn, will use the money to create the subsidiary Terra Drone Arabia. This move represents a significant step forward for both companies, as Terra Drone Arabia will provide oil-gas inspection services for Saudi Aramco while at the same time generating local jobs and accelerating development of the drone industry in the Middle East. The new subsidiary offers an opportunity for Terra Drone, one of the top two drone ...
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"Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant: Will it Survive Beyond 2025?"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Diablo Canyon (US Nuclear Regulatory Commission/PG&E) PG&E, a Californian utility company, had submitted an application to renew the operating licenses for its pressurized water reactors at the Diablo Canyon plant in 2009. However, in 2018, the company withdrew the application after the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a joint proposal from the company together with labor and leading environmental organizations to close the plant at the end of its current licenses. The proposed closure date was set for 2024 for Unit 1 and 2025 for Unit 2, as it was believed that the plant's output would no longer be required as California focused on an energy policy centered on efficiency, renewables and storage. But, grid reliability issues have prompted a rethink on the plant's early closure. On October 31st, last year, PG&E formally asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to resume its review of the license renewal application for the Diablo Canyon pla...
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"Fortum seeks to extend operating license of Finland's oldest nuclear power plant until 2050"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Units 1 and 2 of the Loviisa plant (Image: Fortum) The Loviisa power plant, boasting two state-of-the-art VVER-440 type pressurized water reactors, was the inaugural nuclear power facility in Finland and continues to furnish over 10% of the nation's electricity. Unit 1 of Loviisa commenced commercial operations in 1977, with unit 2 following suit in 1981. These units' operating licenses were renewed in 1998 and 2007 respectively. Fortum, the company operating the facility, submitted an application to TEM in March 2022 to extend the operating licenses of both units until 2050. The Finnish government is currently assessing Fortum's application, soliciting statements from various authorities, organizations, and municipalities in the affected region and providing citizens with an opportunity to voice their opinions. The government will make its decision on the operating license based on these statements. STUK, the regulatory body overseeing the facility, stated that Fortum has ...
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"French Senate Approves Accelerated Construction of Nuclear Facilities: A New Era of Nuclear Power on the Horizon?"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The French Senate (Image: senat.fr) The French Senate has given its stamp of approval to a draft bill that seeks to expedite the construction of new nuclear facilities near existing sites and the operation of existing ones. The bill, which passed with a resounding 239 votes in favor and only 16 against, was adopted during its first reading in the Senate. The deliberation of the bill began on January 17th and concluded with a vote on January 24th. The bill includes several key provisions, including the removal of the goal to reduce nuclear's share of France's electricity production to 50% by 2035. Instead, nuclear's share will now be maintained at "more than 50%" of electricity production by 2050. Additionally, the bill includes the inclusion of small modular reactors (SMRs) as potential reactor types to be constructed. The bill also establishes "a specific procedure for compatibility of urban planning documents" with a view to the construction of new rea...
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"Uganda Launches Controversial $10 Billion Oil Drilling Program in Kingfisher Field"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Image source: (Unsplash.com-Zbynek burival) The Kingfisher field, a verdant and bountiful oil reserve located beneath the tranquil waters of Lake Albert in western Uganda, has officially been commissioned for drilling as the country embarks on a $10 billion scheme to develop its oil reserves and construct a colossal pipeline to transport the crude to international markets via an Indian Ocean port in Tanzania. This ambitious endeavor, which has incited the ire of environmental groups, is expected to yield 40,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak and Uganda's first oil is anticipated to flow in 2025, almost two decades after the reserves were first discovered. The Kingfisher field, operated by the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), is part of a larger scheme that aims to tap into the estimated 6.5 billion barrels of crude under the lake, of which about 1.4 billion are recoverable. The reserves are expected to last up to 30 years, with production peaking at ...
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"Containment Building Completed: A Revolutionary Achievement at the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant Unveiled

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The completed outer dome at Zhangzhou unit 1 (Image: CNNC) The outer dome of the containment building of unit 1 of the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant in China's Fujian province has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the construction of this revolutionary power source. The Zhangzhou 1 unit is the first of two Hualong One units being built at the site, and its completion has sparked curiosity and anticipation among industry experts and energy enthusiasts alike. But what exactly is the Hualong One, and what makes it so special? This advanced nuclear reactor design, developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), is the product of decades of research and development, and is considered to be the most advanced and safest nuclear technology in the world. It boasts a host of cutting-edge features that set it apart from traditional nuclear reactors, including enhanced safety systems, improved fuel efficiency, and a compact design that allows for easy construction and ...
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"Revolutionizing the Future of Sustainable Transport: PUNCH Group Secures €40m in Funding to Optimize Hydrogen Engine Technology"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
  image source:(unsplash.com-Precious Madubuike) The PUNCH Group, a Belgian-based leader in the design of propulsion and control systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, has been bestowed a generous €40m grant from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to further advance its cutting-edge hydrogen engine technology and hasten the transition to zero-emission transport. This substantial investment will empower the company to enhance the capabilities of its hydrogen engine, enabling it to conduct research, development, and innovation activities at its headquarters in Turin, Italy and Strasbourg, France. Guido Dumarey, the founder, owner, and CEO of the PUNCH Group, remarked on the significance of this funding, stating, "The EIB's support will be a crucial element in realizing our vision of sustainable mobility for all. We aim to expand our technological expertise in the field of electric and hydrogen propulsion, and we believe in the immense potential of hydrogen engines, particular...
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"Oil and Renewable Energy Collide: UAE Appoints Controversial Leader as President for Upcoming Climate Summit"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
image source: (unsplash: zbynek Burival) The United Arab Emirates has appointed Sultan al Jaber, the head of the national oil company ADNOC, as the president for the upcoming COP28 climate summit set to take place in Dubai later this year.  Al Jaber is also the UAE's special envoy on climate change and plays a crucial role in the country's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, which makes him a highly controversial choice for the role. As the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., Al Jaber oversees the pumping of nearly all the crude oil in the UAE, which produces about 3.2 million barrels of oil per day.  However, it should be noted that Al Jaber is also the chairman of the UAE's largest renewable energy company, Masdar, which has the capacity to produce 20 gigawatts of clean power and plans to invest billions of dollars to increase its capacity to 100 gigawatts globally this decade, which is about double the renewable energy that the U.K. can produce today.  The COP2...
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"Revolutionary Breakthrough: NRC Certifies First-Ever Small Modular Reactor Design in US, Unleashing a New Era of Clean Energy!"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
(source: VOYGR™ SMR power plant) NuScale Power "A new era of clean energy has officially arrived as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a groundbreaking rule making that allows utilities to reference NuScale's Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design when applying for a combined license to build and operate a reactor. This is not just any reactor, but an advanced light-water SMR with each power module capable of generating 50 megawatts of emissions-free electricity. But that's not all, NuScale's VOYGR™ SMR power plant can house up to 12 factory-built power modules that are about a third of the size of a large-scale reactor. Imagine a power plant that leverages natural processes, such as convection and gravity, to passively cool the reactor without additional water, power, or even operator action. A true game changer in the energy industry. The NRC accepted NuScale's SMR design certification application back in March 2018 and issued its final technical revi...
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"Unlocking the Hidden Power: The Intertwined Relationship of Water and Wind Energy"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com The movement of water in water bodies, particularly in oceans and rivers, plays a crucial role in the generation of wind energy. The wind is caused by the unequal heating of the Earth's surface, which leads to the creation of pressure gradients that drive air masses to move from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. Water bodies, particularly the oceans, have a significant impact on the Earth's climate and weather patterns, and this in turn affects the wind patterns. The ocean plays a crucial role in generating wind energy because it has a much higher heat capacity than land. As the sun's energy heats the ocean, the water temperature increases, which in turn causes the air above the ocean to also heat up. As the air above the ocean rises, it creates a low pressure area, which leads to the development of wind. The wind then blows towards the land, where it is used to generate electricity through wind turbines. Rivers also play a significant ro...
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Popular posts from this blog

"GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, OPG, SNC-Lavalin and Aecon Sign Historic Contract for Deployment of Groundbreaking Small Modular Reactor at Darlington Nuclear Project Site"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
image source:(unsplash.com,Jakob Madsen) GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), SNC-Lavalinand Aecon, has signed a contract for the deployment of a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project site, marking the first commercial contract for a grid-scale SMR in North America. This groundbreaking agreement, through which GEH will provide the reactor design, encompasses a comprehensive range of project activities, including design, engineering licensing support, construction, testing, training and commissioning. Jay Wileman, President and CEO of GEH, stated, "This contract is an important milestone and solidifies our position as the leading SMR technology provider. We aim to deliver the first SMR in North America and, in doing so, lead the start of a new era of nuclear power that will provide zero-emission energy generation, energy security and energy reliability around the globe. We can’t express our appre...
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California Court Orders New Environmental Review for Imperial County Geothermal Lithium Project

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
California Appeals Court Orders New Environmental Review for Imperial County Geothermal–Lithium Project Image: California Salton Lake Sea Hell’s Kitchen geothermal and lithium extraction plan sent back for deeper water, air-quality and mitigation analysis under CEQA A California appeals court has ordered Imperial County to conduct a more rigorous environmental review of the proposed Hell’s Kitchen geothermal power plant and lithium extraction project near the Salton Sea. The Fourth District Court of Appeal found that the county’s original environmental impact report (EIR) did not adequately address long-term water availability, enforceable mitigation measures for water shortages, or potential air-quality impacts tied to the receding Salton Sea. The ruling partially reverses a lower court decision and remands the case to Imperial County Superior Court, requiring the county and project developer Controlled Thermal Resources to address the identified deficiencies before the project can m...
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Fervo Energy Expands Geothermal Pipeline With Landmark Google Power Agreement

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Fervo Energy Expands Geothermal Pipeline as Google Signs Record 396 MW Power Purchase Agreement Alphaxioms Geothermal Insights | Industry Analysis | November 2026 Fervo Energy Moves Enhanced Geothermal Into Commercial Deployment The global geothermal energy industry is entering an important commercialisation phase as Fervo Energy reports significant operational progress, expands its project development pipeline, and secures a landmark electricity offtake agreement with Google. In its third-quarter 2026 results, released on November 9, Fervo confirmed that its Cape Station geothermal development in Utah had achieved first power and contractual commercial operation at its initial 33-megawatt (MW) GeoBlock. The milestone represents a significant transition for the company, moving its enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology further from demonstration and development into commercial electricity generation. The company also announced a 15-year, grid-connected, take-or-pay power purchase...
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XGS, Baker Hughes, and Meta Ignite New Mexico’s 150MW Geothermal AI Power Revolution

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
XGS and Baker Hughes Push Geothermal Into the AI Era With Massive 150MW Meta-Linked Project in New Mexico The geothermal industry has officially entered a new phase — one where artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers, and next-generation geothermal technologies are beginning to converge into a single industrial ecosystem. In one of the most significant geothermal-energy announcements of 2026, XGS Energy has partnered with Baker Hughes to accelerate development of a massive 150MW geothermal power project in New Mexico tied to the growing energy demands of Meta data center operations. The project is not merely another renewable energy development. It represents a major industrial test of whether advanced geothermal systems can reliably power the exploding AI infrastructure economy that is rapidly transforming electricity demand across the United States and the world. According to reports, the geothermal facility will provide electricity into the grid operated by Public S...
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Green Therma Generation 5 Geothermal Technology Revolutionises Enclosed Loop Heat Production

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Green Therma’s Fifth Generation Geothermal Technology Targets Heat Markets Image: Kim Gunn Maver, Chief Geologist at Green Therma The geothermal industry has historically depended on favourable geological conditions, naturally permeable reservoirs and the availability of underground fluids. Although conventional hydrothermal systems have enabled commercial geothermal electricity generation and heat across several countries, their dependence on specific geological characteristics has limited the number of locations where projects can be developed successfully. A new generation of engineered geothermal technologies is seeking to address these limitations by changing how heat is extracted from the subsurface. Green Therma is advancing what it describes as Generation 5 geothermal technology, centred on Enclosed Loop Geothermal (ELG). Unlike conventional hydrothermal systems and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) , the technology uses a fully enclosed engineered piping arrangement that pre...
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“From Volcanic Depths to the National Grid: Dominica’s First Geothermal Turbine Sparks a Caribbean Energy Revolution.”

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The historic milestone in Dominica's renewable energy journey has arrived:  By:  Robert Buluma the first Ormat Energy Converter (OEC) turbine unit at the OEC-1 geothermal power plant has spun to life, synchronized with the national grid, and begun delivering clean, reliable power to the island nation. This isn't just a technical achievement—it's a beacon of hope for energy independence in the Caribbean, a region long dependent on imported fossil fuels and vulnerable to hurricanes and climate change. Something which we had anticipated earlier on  Imagine standing in the control room, heart pounding, as the screens light up with rising numbers: Gross Power climbing to 3.82 MW and beyond. The CPB Switch Status flips to GEN,the "Start" button glows triumphantly, and for the first time, geothermal steam from deep beneath Dominica's volcanic landscape transforms into electricity flowing seamlessly into homes, businesses, and the future. Project Manager Amir Junger c...
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Újbuda Geothermal Energy Exploration Approval Boosts Sustainable Heating Potential

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Újbuda Gets Approval to Explore Its Geothermal Energy Potential Budapest’s Újbuda district has received approval to examine whether geothermal energy can contribute to its future heating and energy needs. The decision places one of the capital’s most densely populated districts at the centre of Hungary’s broader effort to make better use of its underground thermal resources. The approval does not mean that a geothermal power plant or district-heating system will be built immediately. Instead, it allows the district and its partners to investigate the geological conditions, technical feasibility, environmental implications and financial requirements of using heat stored beneath the city. The project could eventually support cleaner heating, reduce dependence on imported natural gas and strengthen Budapest’s energy resilience. Its success, however, will depend on careful geological research, responsible water management, transparent public consultation and a realistic financing model. Wh...
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Estonia Drills Three Towns for Open-Loop Geothermal Heating Development

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Estonia Drills Into Its Own Backyard: Why Three Small Towns Could Shape the Future of Baltic Heating Estonia has started looking for heat under its own soil. In October 2026, the Geological Survey of Estonia began exploratory drilling at three locations in the south of the country to find out whether open-loop geothermal energy pilot plants can work there, according to CEENERGYNEWS, citing the Estonian Ministry of Climate. Work starts in Rõuge, then moves to Põlva municipality and Tõrva. The campaign is part of a research programme called AVATAR. On paper, this is a small story: a few boreholes, some pumping tests and a careful statement from a state agency. It is also one more step in a deliberate effort by a small Baltic country to treat geothermal energy as a real option for heating whole communities, and not only single houses. Estonia has long winters, energy security is a political issue there, and moving away from fossil fuels is now fixed policy. So the drilling matters more th...
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Exergy Signs 33 MWe Geothermal Contract in Türkiye

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Exergy Signs 33 MWe Geothermal Contract with Maren in Türkiye Exergy International has signed a new contract with Maren Maraş Elektrik Üretim A.Ş. to supply the 33 MWe Mehmet Ege geothermal power plant in Germencik, in Türkiye’s Aydın province. The project will use Exergy’s Organic Rankine Cycle technology and include the company’s largest Radial Outflow Turbine supplied to date.  Expected to enter operation in the second half of 2027, the plant will provide renewable baseload electricity from a geothermal resource with an estimated temperature of approximately 160°C. The agreement represents another major step in Exergy’s long-standing relationship with Maren and reinforces Türkiye’s position as one of the world’s most active geothermal markets.  A Major Geothermal Investment in Aydın  The Mehmet Ege geothermal power plant will be located in Germencik, a district within Aydın that has become a major centre for geothermal development. Türkiye’s western Aegean region conta...
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Germany Advances Rhineland Geothermal Exploration Through Fraunhofer IEG Seismic Survey

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Germany Advances Rhineland Geothermal Exploration as Fraunhofer IEG Secures Seismic Survey Approval A Major Step for Geothermal Energy in Germany Germany is advancing its geothermal exploration ambitions in the Rhineland as researchers move closer to understanding the region's deep geological potential. The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies (Fraunhofer IEG) has secured regulatory approval to conduct a seismic exploration campaign under the Reallabor Geothermie Rheinland (Rhineland Geothermal Real Laboratory), marking an important milestone in efforts to establish geothermal energy as a long-term source of sustainable heat. The approval, granted by the Arnsberg Mining Authority, allows the research team to proceed with preparations for a geophysical measurement campaign covering two profiles with a combined length of approximately 35 kilometres. The proposed survey will investigate the subsurface between Baesweiler, Eschweiler and the H...
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