Alphaxioms Geothermal News and Related Research Globally

Cowi  to Spearhead 100MW Geothermal Power Plant Expansion in Iceland: A Leap Toward Renewable Innovation By:  Robert Buluma In a major stride toward sustainable energy development, Cowi , a leading engineering firm, has secured the design contract for the expansion of the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant in Iceland. This ambitious project, driven by ON Power , will see the plant's capacity increase by 100MW, further solidifying Iceland's commitment to harnessing its geothermal potential.  The Hellisheidi plant, located just 18km from Reykjavik, serves as a cornerstone for Iceland's energy landscape, providing both electricity and hot water for domestic heating. With the ongoing expansion, the plant’s heating output will rise from 200MW to 300MW, ensuring more homes and businesses in Reykjavik benefit from geothermal energy. A Legacy of Excellence Cowi's  involvement in the Hellisheidi project dates back to its early phases, when the firm, formerly known as Mannvit in

GDC Partners with EGENCO to Unveil Malawi's Geothermal Potential: A New Era in Energy Exploration By: Robert Buluma In a significant move towards diversifying Malawi's energy portfolio, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has joined forces with the Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO) to explore the untapped geothermal resources within the Rift Valley. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the country's energy landscape, bringing with it the promise of a sustainable and reliable power source derived from the earth's natural heat. Malawi's geothermal potential has long been hinted at by the presence of hot springs scattered throughout the Rift Valley, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 75 degrees Celsius. These natural indicators of geothermal activity have piqued the interest of energy experts and scientists, but it wasn't until 2023 that concrete steps were taken towards harnessing this potential. Now, under the guidance of Dr. Maxon Ch

Baseload Capital Secures €53M in Series B Funding: A Major Leap for Geothermal Energy In a powerful stride towards revolutionizing the global energy landscape, Baseload Capital Sweden AB has successfully closed a €53 million Series B funding round. This monumental achievement signals a significant leap in scaling up geothermal energy—one of the world’s largest untapped and sustainable energy resources. The Power Behind the Funding Leading the charge in this Series B round is ENGF, a distinguished infrastructure fund backed by Ingka Investments, the financial powerhouse of the Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer. The round also attracted investments from energy technology giant Baker Hughes, Nefco, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Gullspång Invest. This robust investment lineup underscores the growing confidence in Baseload Capital's vision to unlock the geothermal energy sector's potential on a global scale. A Vision to Transform the Energy Sector Baseload Capital is not ju

Pioneering Energy Innovation: Exergy and PT PLN Indonesia Forge a Groundbreaking Partnership By: Robert Buluma In a world increasingly driven by the urgency of climate action, Exergy and PT PLN Indonesia have embarked on a visionary partnership that promises to redefine energy efficiency in the region. This collaboration, centered on the innovative use of waste heat recovery (WHR) technology, is not just another step in the evolution of sustainable energy—it’s a leap. Imagine harnessing the heat typically lost in power generation and converting it into something truly valuable: electricity. This is precisely what Exergy's state-of-the-art Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems are designed to do. By capturing waste heat from gas turbines and engines, these systems can transform what would have been wasted energy into a powerful resource, reducing the need for fossil fuels and cutting down on harmful emissions. But this partnership is about more than just technology—it's about the

Orkuveitan’s Ambitious Geothermal Drilling Project: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future By :  Robert Buluma In a landmark move toward bolstering Iceland’s energy security and sustainability, Orkuveitan, the Reykjavik-based energy company, has launched a significant tender process for its latest geothermal drilling initiative. This project, which aims to drill 35 new exploratory and water extraction wells by the end of 2028, marks the largest water procurement venture in recent years. With its eyes set on a carbon-neutral future, Orkuveitan is taking a crucial step forward in ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s geothermal resources. The primary goal of this extensive drilling project is twofold: to secure long-term water supply for the nation’s heating needs and to explore new geothermal fields that hold potential for future development. The company’s approach to this project reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, utilizing electric drilling rigs to minimize car

Sage Geosystems and Meta Unveil a Groundbreaking Geothermal Power Partnership: A New Era of Clean Energy Innovation By: Robert Buluma In an unprecedented move that promises to reshape the landscape of renewable energy in the United States, Sage Geosystems (Sage) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) have announced a pioneering agreement to harness the power of next-generation geothermal energy. This partnership, revealed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Catalyzing Next Generation Geothermal Development Workshop, marks the first implementation of advanced geothermal power east of the Rocky Mountains—a milestone that could catalyze a seismic shift in how we meet our growing energy demands. The deal between Sage and Meta, which aims to deliver up to 150 MW of new geothermal baseload power to support Meta’s rapidly expanding data centers, is more than just a business agreement. It is a statement of intent, showcasing the critical role that clean, firm, and resilient power sources will pl

Italy to Host Its First Geothermal Congress This November By:  Robert Buluma Italy is set to host its inaugural Geothermal Congress, "ITALIAN GEOTHERMAL - 1° Forum Internazionale sulla Geotermia," on November 11th and 12th, 2024. This landmark event will take place at the Centro Congressi Auditorium della Tecnica in Rome, bringing together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders in the geothermal energy sector to discuss the latest developments, opportunities, and challenges in this growing field. Organized by key players in the Italian geothermal industry, including the Unione Geotermica Italiana (UGI), Associazione Italiana Riscaldamento Urbano (AIRU), Consiglio Nazionale Geologi, Rete Geotermica, and Associazione Nazionale Impianti Geotermia Heat Pump (ANIG HP), the forum aims to foster international dialogue and collaboration on geothermal energy's potential. The event will provide a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring the risks and rewards associated with g

"Harnessing the Power Beneath: TU Freiberg's New Master's Program in Geothermal Energy" By:  Robert Buluma The earth beneath our feet is more than just solid ground—it's a reservoir of untapped potential. With the global push towards sustainable energy solutions, geothermal energy has emerged as a promising frontier. Recognizing this, the Technische Universität (TU) Bergakademie Freiberg is launching an exciting new Master's program in Geothermal Energy, beginning in the summer semester of 2025.  "Geothermal energy is a growth market," says Professor Traugott Scheytt, the program's director. This assertion is not just rhetoric; it's a vision that TU Freiberg is turning into reality. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to forge successful careers in this burgeoning field. But this isn't your average graduate program. Students will have the opportunity to craft a highly individualized specializatio

China's Largest Geothermal Heating Project Cluster in Jing-Jin-Ji Takes a Leap Forward By: Robert Buluma Photo Credit: Theodore on unsplash On July 29, 2024, a significant milestone was reached in China's quest for clean energy. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced the approval of two pilot geothermal heating projects in Xianghe County and Dachang Hui Autonomous County. These projects, part of the largest geothermal heating cluster in the Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) region, mark a significant step forward in China's clean energy transition. Geothermal energy, with its abundant reserves, stable output, high utilization efficiency, and economic feasibility, stands out as a key player in China’s renewable energy strategy. Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy does not emit greenhouse gases, making it an ideal candidate for the country’s ambitious carbon reduction goals under the "Dual Carbon" strategy.  Recognizing the potential of geoth

Sage Geosystems Inc. and San Miguel Electric Cooperative: A Revolutionary Partnership in Geothermal Energy Storage By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move that could redefine the future of sustainable energy, Sage Geosystems Inc. has announced its partnership with San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECI) to build the world’s first Geopressured Geothermal System (GGS) in Christine, Texas. This 3MW EarthStore™ energy storage facility is poised to make history as it becomes the first of its kind to supply geothermal energy storage to the ERCOT grid, marking a significant advancement in the quest for reliable, renewable energy. A New Era of Energy Storage The significance of this project cannot be overstated. As renewable energy sources like wind and solar continue to expand, the need for dependable, long-duration energy storage solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Sage’s EarthStore™ technology answers this call, offering a revolutionary system that taps into the earth’s natural

White Bark 's Ambitious Geothermal Vision: Pioneering Australia's Future in Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma In the vast and resource-rich lands of Queensland's Cooper Basin ,  White Bark Energy is spearheading a transformation that could redefine Australia’s energy landscape. With its recent acquisition of an additional 1,250 sub-blocks for geothermal exploration, the company is not just expanding its footprint but solidifying its role as a leader in the nation's clean energy future. White Bark Energy  latest exploration permit, a sprawling 3,873 square kilometers of geothermal potential, represents more than just new territory. It’s a strategic move in a well-calculated plan to harness the untapped geothermal power beneath Queensland's surface. This new permit complements  White Bark's two existing licenses, creating a robust geothermal network that aligns with the Australian Government’s aggressive push towards renewable energy. The government’s $11.2 billio

The Future of Geothermal Energy: Unlocking the Potential of Supercritical Geothermal Resources By:  Robert Buluma In the deep underbelly of the Earth, where the heat is nearly unbearable, lies a force so powerful it could reshape our energy landscape forever. This is the story of supercritical geothermal resources—a frontier so ambitious, so untapped, that it promises not just to meet, but to exceed, our wildest dreams for sustainable energy. The Hidden Power Beneath Our Feet Imagine drilling into the Earth's crust, past boiling reservoirs and molten rock, into a realm where temperatures and pressures reach a critical point, transforming water into a supercritical fluid. Neither liquid nor gas, this supercritical fluid holds the potential to produce ten times more energy than conventional geothermal sources. It’s a resource that could power cities, industries, and entire nations with clean, renewable energy. But this isn't just a tale of boundless potential—it's a journey f

Geothermal Exploration Opportunities in Central Sulawesi: The Bora Pulu Area By:  Robert Buluma The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources  ESDM has recently announced the opening of a tender for a geothermal exploration area in the Bora Pulu region, located in Sigi Regency and Palu City, Central Sulawesi. This is a significant opportunity for business entities engaged in the geothermal sector, offering a potential 52 MWe of geothermal reserves over an extensive area of 78,388 hectares. The Bora Pulu Geothermal WPSPE The geothermal Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment Area (WPSPE) named Bora Pulu represents a promising site for energy developers. The area is strategically located in Central Sulawesi, a region known for its geothermal potential. With possible reserves estimated at 52 MWe, this project could be a significant contributor to Indonesia's renewable energy goal Who Can Participate? The tender is open to business entities with experience in geothermal energy, u

Kenya's Bold Bid: A Game-Changer for Global Geothermal Leadership By: Robert Buluma Image credit from Alphaxioms previous articles  In a thrilling announcement that has reverberated across the energy sector, Kenya has officially launched its bid to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) in 2029. This prestigious global forum, held every three years, aims to scale up the deployment of geothermal energy worldwide. The bid underscores Kenya's commitment to renewable energy and cements its leadership in the sector. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira made the announcement during the 2024 Kenya Geothermal Congress in Nairobi, a gathering that has drawn industry leaders, academics, financiers, government officials, NGOs, and community representatives. Wachira emphasized that hosting WGC 2029 will not only position Kenya as a continental leader but also as a formidable player on the global stage. "Hosting the WGC 2029 will give us a competitive edge, bolstering our position