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Showing posts from February 26, 2023

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Geothermal Innovation, Superhot Systems, Social License, and the Future of Global Geothermal Energy

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
In this interview, Dr. Amel Barich, Founder & CEO of Geoscience Research and Communications (GRC) , shares insights into the future of geothermal energy, covering superhot geothermal systems, advanced drilling, international collaboration, social license to operate, developing-country opportunities, and the growing role of geothermal in integrated energy systems.  Image : Dr. Amel Barich Founder & CEO, Geoscience Research and Communications (GRC) Geoscientist | Geothermal R&D&I | Social License to Operate Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your current role in advancing geothermal innovation? I am a geoscientist and geothermal professional with a background spanning geothermal research and innovation, international collaboration, policy and science diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Over the past decade, I have worked from Iceland across major European and international geothermal initiatives, leading collaborative R...
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Geothermal Unravelled

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal power is a renewable energy source that has been gaining traction in recent years as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Geothermal power is generated by tapping into the Earth's natural heat, which is produced by the decay of radioactive isotopes and the residual heat from the planet's formation. This energy source has several advantages over other forms of renewable energy, which we will explore in this article. (source: unsplash.com,Sam Bark) First, geothermal power is a consistent and reliable source of energy. Unlike solar and wind power, which are dependent on weather conditions and time of day, geothermal power can be produced 24/7. This makes it an ideal source of baseload power, which is the minimum amount of power needed to meet the constant demand for electricity. Second, geothermal power is environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, geothermal power does not emit greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants. This makes it a c...
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Elon Musk: "HOW I'M STILL THE RICHEST MAN"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Elon Musk is a name that has become synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk is now a citizen of three countries - South Africa, Canada, and the United States - and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful entrepreneurs of our time. Through his numerous companies, Musk has disrupted entire industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and transportation. He is also a vocal advocate for sustainable energy and a human colony on Mars . (image source: alexander shaltov,unsplash.com) Early Life and Education Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, to a Canadian mother and a South African father. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in science and technology. As a child, Musk was an avid reader and consumed books at an astonishing rate. He was also bullied in school and had a difficult childhood. After finishing high school in Pretoria, Musk moved to the United States to study...
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Düsseldorf and Duisburg explore potential for deep geothermal energy

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The intermunicipal feasibility study "Heat from Deep Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Düsseldorf and Duisburg" is a major step forward for the two cities towards the energy transition. The study examines the geological conditions at depth, identifies possible locations for test drilling, and evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of expanding the district heating network. (Source: City Works Duisburg) Since Thursday, citizens can find information about the project on the website www.geothermie-rhein.de. The development of climate-friendly, weather-independent, and regional energy sources is one of the biggest challenges for cities and municipalities. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia has therefore already decided on March 20, 2019 to promote geothermal energy to advance the energy transition. The cities of Duisburg and Düsseldorf, in particular, benefit from this state parliament resolution in the Rhine-Ruhr region. In a joint feasibility study...
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"Pertamina Geothermal Energy: Revolutionizing Indonesia's Green Energy Landscape as the Maverick Leader"

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
 Discover Indonesia's Leading Green Energy Company: Pertamina Geothermal Energy The Lumut Balai geothermal power plant of Pertamina Geothermal Energy. Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) is the driving force behind Indonesia's geothermal energy industry. With thirteen work areas across the country, PGE currently produces an impressive 1877 MW of geothermal power, making it a prominent player in the green energy sector. PGE operates six solely owned geothermal plants and has interests in four other plants under joint-operating contracts. As part of its ambitious expansion plans, PGE aims to increase its own power generation capacity to 1540 MW by 2030, which would help reduce 9 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. To support its vision of becoming a world-class green energy producer, PGE is planning an initial public offering (IPO) in the first quarter of 2023, with the potential to raise 500 million USD of new equity capital. PGE has several exciting projects in the pipeline, ...
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Exciting Update: New In-Service Dates for Vogtle Units Revealed

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Get ready for a glimpse into the latest developments of one of the most significant energy projects in the US! Southern Company's CEO, Tom Fanning, announced that the schedules for Vogtle units 3 and 4 have been adjusted to allow for any unexpected issues. Construction work at the Vogtle site, pictured in January (Image: Georgia Power) Unit 3 is now expected to enter service in May or June, while unit 4 will be operational by the end of this year or early 2024. But it hasn't been a smooth ride, as vibrations in the cooling system caused delays in the criticality process of unit 3. However, Fanning assures investors that the issues have been remediated, and the testing has resumed. But that's not all! Southern Company is determined to deliver optimal performance and reduce risks associated with any potential issues that may arise. So, extra time has been added to the schedule to address these matters. Metal plates have been inserted into struts connected to the pipe to fix t...
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Eavor Kleefeld II Permit Boosts Hannover Geothermal Expansion and Deep Heat Development

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Eavor Secures Kleefeld II: A New Milestone for Hannover’s Deep Geothermal Ambitions Image: A Thematic image of The Eavor Project at Geretsried  Eavor’s new Kleefeld II permit marks an important step forward for deep geothermal development in Hannover, reinforcing the city’s position as one of Germany’s most closely watched urban heat-transition markets . The licence covers about 64.5 square kilometers, lasts for three years, and combines the former Buchholz and Kleefeld I exploration areas into a single, larger field that Eavor already controlled. The decision is more than an administrative update. It signals continued confidence in geothermal as a practical, scalable source of district heating in a dense metropolitan region. For Hannover, it also strengthens a project that has been building momentum for several years and could become a reference case for other European cities seeking cleaner, locally produced heat. A New Chapter For Hannover Kleefeld II sits in the northeast of...
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TAQA Geothermal and Strataphy Collaborates To Advance Saudi Arabia Geothermal Cooling

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
PrimeLoop and the Geothermal Cooling Revolution in Saudi Arabia Image: Pictorial Views Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase in cooling technology, and geothermal cooling is becoming one of the most compelling solutions in that transition. At the center of this shift is PrimeLoop, Strataphy’s proprietary geothermal cooling system, which is being positioned as a commercial answer to one of the region’s most urgent infrastructure challenges: how to cool buildings efficiently in extreme heat while reducing electricity demand and water use. This matters because cooling is not a minor utility in the Gulf. It is a core operating cost, a grid stability issue, and an environmental pressure point all at once. In a country where ambient temperatures can push conventional air-conditioning systems to their limits, the search for smarter cooling is no longer theoretical. It is now a commercial necessity. PrimeLoop is interesting because it does not simply improve on conventional cooling. It rethinks...
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University of Aberdeen and RGU partner to accelerate geothermal heating deployment

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
University of Aberdeen and RGU join forces to accelerate geothermal energy research and heat-network deployment Image: Lucy Leiper, Director of Research, Innovation & Enterprise at the University of Aberdeen and Christina Laing, Business Development Manager at Robert Gordon University The University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University (RGU) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to explore collaborative research, training and commercial activity in geothermal energy and low-carbon heating. This strategic partnership aims to combine subsurface expertise, drilling and modelling capabilities, supply-chain development, and skills training to accelerate geothermal deployment and support the just transition to net-zero heating across Scotland and beyond. Why this partnership matters for the geothermal sector Geothermal heat offers a predictable, baseload source of low-carbon thermal energy that can decarbonise district heating, industry process heat and building heating demand. Scotl...
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XGS Energy IPO: Morgan Stanley, Geothermal Growth, and Fervo’s Market Momentum

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
XGS Energy Weighs IPO After Hiring Morgan Stanley, Chasing Fervo's Geothermal Momentum Geothermal developer XGS Energy has hired Morgan Stanley to evaluate an initial public offering, positioning itself as a potential second geothermal IPO of 2026 after Fervo Energy's blockbuster listing. The move underscores growing investor appetite for clean, firm power technologies as data-center demand and grid reliability concerns reshape the energy investment landscape. The Scoop: Morgan Stanley, IPO Timing, and Market Context In early July 2026, Axios Pro reported that XGS Energy engaged Morgan Stanley to assess a public listing, with company leadership potentially deciding within about a month whether to proceed. The timing is strategic: Fervo Energy's May 2026 IPO created a rare "open window" for geothermal equities, providing valuation benchmarks and investor education that earlier private rounds lacked. For investors, the narrative is straightforward. If Fervo proved t...
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Kaishan and Halliburton Boost Geothermal EGS, Green Hydrogen, and Green Ammonia Projects

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Kaishan , Halliburton Team Up on Advanced Geothermal, Green Fuel Projects Kaishan Group and Halliburton have deepened their cooperation with a strategic memorandum of understanding centered on advanced geothermal development, especially enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), along with green hydrogen and green ammonia opportunities. The deal builds on earlier Indonesia drilling work and signals a broader push to combine Halliburton’s high-end well-construction capabilities with Kaishan’s geothermal equipment and project-development platform. Partnership Background The relationship did not begin with the July 2026 memorandum. In February 2026, Halliburton said it had won a multiyear contract from KS Orka Renewables , part of Kaishan’s wider corporate group, to support geothermal well construction at the PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power and PT Sokoria Geothermal Indonesia projects in Indonesia. That work covered directional drilling, cementing, drilling fluids, and drill bits across several...
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Geothermal Steam Output Gap, Decline, Integrity, and Life Extension

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The Disparity Between Anticipated and Actual Geothermal Steam Output Image: thematic image of the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant in Iceland  Geothermal energy is one of the most dependable baseload renewables, but the gap between expected steam output and real production remains a central industry problem. Exploration models are always incomplete, and once wells are onstream, pressure decline, scaling, corrosion, and thermal breakthrough steadily erode performance. Why Forecasts Miss the Mark Exploration depends on sparse wells, surface manifestations, geophysical surveys, and geochemical indicators, so it only samples a small part of a complex reservoir. Reservoirs are rarely uniform, and permeability, porosity, mineralogy, and thermal conductivity can vary sharply over short distances, which means early temperature or chemistry readings can overstate how much of the reservoir will actually support long-term production. Phase behavior adds another layer of uncertainty. In two-...
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Geothermal EPC Companies: How Developers Choose the Right Contractor for Projects

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal EPC Companies: How Developers Choose a Contractor Image: A Thematic image of a geothermal power plant  Geothermal developers choose EPC contractors by combining technical geothermal experience, financial strength, execution credibility, and the ability to manage field-specific risk. In recent awards, the strongest bidders have been those with proven geothermal references, repeat-delivery history, and the ability to package engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning into one bankable offer . Why geothermal EPC is different Geothermal EPC is more complex than standard power plant construction because the contractor must build around a live underground resource. That means the project team has to deal with reservoir uncertainty, steam chemistry, scaling, corrosion, reinjection behavior, plant-field interfaces, and grid interconnection all at once . For developers, this turns EPC selection into a risk-management decision. The contractor is not just a builder; ...
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Arverne’s 70 Million Euro ORANE Financing Boosts Geothermal Growth and Lithium Expansion

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Arverne Finalizes 70 Million Euro ORANE Issue, a Milestone for France’s Geothermal Future Image: A thematic picture of Arvene welcoming a team at their Lithium De France Operations Arverne’s successful completion of its 70 million euro ORANE financing marks more than a capital raise, it signals momentum for one of France’s most ambitious geothermal platforms. Backed by GEOGREEN , Bpifrance ,  ADEME Investissement   Crédit Mutuel Equity , and Eiffel Investment Group , the transaction reinforces confidence in Arverne’s integrated geothermal and geothermal lithium strategy, while giving the company fresh resources to accelerate its Dual Flow plan . A financing round with strategic weight The announcement, made on 24 July 2026, confirms that the ORANE issue was fully subscribed for a total of 70 million euros . For Arverne, this is not just a funding event, it is a validation of a business model built around the full geothermal value chain, from subsurface expertise and drilling...
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85 Degrees Renewable Secures €200M Project Finance Framework to Expand Dutch Geothermal Heat Infrastructure

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
85 Degrees Renewable Secures €200M Project Finance Framework to Accelerate Dutch Geothermal Heat Infrastructure 85 Degrees Renewable has taken a major step in the financing of geothermal energy with a new project finance framework of up to €200 million backed by ING and Rabobank. The facility is designed to support the company’s next phase of development in the Netherlands, including the expansion of its Central Oostland geothermal heat network and the broader growth of its renewable heat infrastructure platform. The announcement is especially significant because it shows that geothermal heat is increasingly being treated as a mature infrastructure asset rather than an early-stage experimental technology. The deal also highlights how geothermal energy is becoming more central to the Dutch energy transition. In a country where greenhouse horticulture is a major economic sector and heat demand remains heavily dependent on natural gas, renewable heat solutions are gaining strategic import...
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Who Finances Next-Generation Geothermal Projects? Key Investors and Funding Trends

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Who Is Financing the Next Generation of Geothermal Projects? Image : A thematic image of a geothermal power plant  The next generation of geothermal projects is being financed by a wide mix of venture capital firms, strategic corporate investors, commercial banks, institutional funds, and project finance lenders. The financing landscape is changing quickly because geothermal is moving from a niche clean-energy option into a serious infrastructure asset class with the potential to deliver reliable, 24/7 power at scale. Why geothermal finance is changing For years, geothermal struggled to attract large pools of capital because many projects were seen as technically risky, geographically limited, and difficult to scale. That perception is shifting as advanced geothermal technologies, especially enhanced geothermal systems, expand the number of places where geothermal can work. Investors now see a larger addressable market, stronger power demand, and better alignment with the needs of...
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