The New Energy Frontier: Quaise Energy’s Superhot Geothermal Gambit in Oregon By Alphaxioms Editorial Team | September 4, 2026 In the high desert of Central Oregon, a project with implications far beyond Deschutes County is taking shape. Quaise Energy, now backed by a total of $280 million in funding, is advancing Project Obsidian, which it describes as the world’s first commercial superhot geothermal power plant . The company says the first phase is designed to deliver 50 MW by 2030, with a pathway toward 250 MW and ultimately more than 1 GW . Before the first megawatt reaches the grid, however, the project faces a local policy test: whether Deschutes County should grant a five-year property tax abatement under Oregon’s Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone Program. That decision is more than a routine incentive request. It is a referendum on how rural counties choose to support next-generation energy infrastructure and whether older incentive frameworks can accommodate a technolog...
Bringing Sustainable Energy to Kenya: Globeleq's 35 MW Geothermal Power Project in Menengai
In a significant stride towards sustainable energy development in Kenya, Globeleq, a leading independent power producer, is set to embark on a groundbreaking 35 MW geothermal power project in Menengai. With the project slated to commence construction next week, the collaboration between Globeleq and its partners marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's renewable energy journey.
Mobilization of Construction Teams and Commencement of Civil Works
Globeleq has joined forces with prominent EPC contractors, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO Kenya Limited, to kickstart the mobilization of construction teams. The commencement of civil works signals the beginning of a transformative phase for the Menengai region and the broader Kenyan energy landscape.
Timeline and Project Scope
The construction phase is estimated to span 23 months, with full operation expected to commence around the quarter of 2025. This ambitious timeline underscores the commitment of all stakeholders involved to deliver clean, reliable energy to the region in a timely manner. Once operational, the project is poised to create approximately 250 jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities for the local community.
GDC's Inaugural Geothermal Plant
Menengai will serve as the inaugural geothermal plant supplied by the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to the project. Under a 25-year project implementation agreement, GDC will play a pivotal role in providing steam to power the plant, further solidifying Kenya's position as a leader in geothermal energy production.
Operations and Maintenance
Upon reaching commercial operation in 2025, Globeleq will assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the power plant. This commitment ensures the sustained efficiency and longevity of the infrastructure, guaranteeing uninterrupted energy supply to the region for years to come.
Power Purchase Agreement with KPLC
Electricity generated from the Menengai geothermal plant will be sold to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) under a 25-year power purchase agreement. This strategic partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable energy initiatives and meeting the growing demand for electricity in Kenya.
As Globeleq's 35 MW geothermal power project in Menengai takes shape, it represents a beacon of hope for Kenya's energy future. By harnessing the country's abundant geothermal resources, this initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters economic growth and job creation. With construction set to commence imminently, the countdown to a greener, more prosperous future for Menengai and Kenya as a whole has begun
Source: Researched and Written by Robert Buluma, alphaxioms@gmail.com.
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