Skip to main content

Smith College taps Geothermal Energy to meet it's Energy needs

 "Smith College Embraces Sustainability: A Geothermal Revolution Powers Campus"



In a pioneering move towards a sustainable future, Smith College has undergone a remarkable transformation by exclusively adopting geothermal energy to power its campus. This strategic shift away from fossil fuels is a testament to the college's commitment to environmental responsibility and signifies a monumental leap in the pursuit of clean energy solutions.


### Tapping into Earth's Inner Heat


Smith College's decision to rely solely on geothermal energy revolves around the utilization of the Earth's natural heat reservoirs. By harnessing the energy stored beneath the surface, the campus is now able to meet its electricity and heating demands in an environmentally friendly manner. Geothermal energy is a renewable source that produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional power sources.


### Underground Sustainability: How Geothermal Works


Geothermal energy systems work by capturing the Earth's heat through a network of underground pipes. These pipes circulate a fluid that absorbs the heat and transfers it to the surface, where it can be used to generate electricity or for heating purposes. Smith College's geothermal infrastructure seamlessly integrates with the campus's existing energy grid, providing a reliable and consistent source of power.


### Environmental Benefits and Carbon Footprint Reduction


The adoption of geothermal energy brings multifaceted environmental benefits to Smith College. Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy produces minimal air pollutants and has a significantly lower carbon footprint. This transition aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and sets a remarkable example for other educational institutions aiming to reduce their environmental impact.


### A Campus-Wide Commitment


Smith College's geothermal initiative extends beyond energy production to encompass a holistic commitment to sustainability. The campus has implemented energy-efficient practices and embraced green building designs to optimize the geothermal system's performance. This integrated approach ensures that the college not only minimizes its environmental impact but also operates efficiently and responsibly.


### Inspiring a Geothermal Movement


By exclusively adopting geothermal energy, Smith College positions itself as a trailblazer in sustainable campus solutions. The success of this initiative serves as an inspiration for other educational institutions to explore and implement geothermal solutions, paving the way for a broader movement towards cleaner, more responsible energy choices.


In summary, Smith College's embrace of geothermal energy marks a significant milestone in the realm of sustainability. The college's commitment to harnessing the Earth's natural heat not only powers its campus efficiently but also serves as a beacon for others to follow in the quest for a greener, more sustainable future.

Comments

Hot Topics

Indonesia’s Geothermal Power Surge: Barito Renewables Unleashes Five Game-Changing Projects

A New Chapter in Indonesia’s Energy Future Has Begun. By:  Robert Buluma In a historic move that signals Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to a greener future, PT Barito Renewables Energy Tbk (BREN) has pulled the curtain back on five cutting-edge geothermal power projects under its subsidiary, Star Energy Geothermal . The inauguration, which took place virtually on June 26, 2025 , was no ordinary milestone—it was presided over by none other than President Prabowo Subianto himself, underscoring the national importance of this initiative. Set in the lush geothermal landscapes of Salak and Wayang Windu in West Java , these projects aren’t just about generating electricity—they’re about igniting transformation. 🔋 A USD 365 Million Bet on Green Power Barito Renewables is putting its money where its mission is, investing USD 365 million to inject an additional 112 MW into Indonesia’s energy mix. This expansion is expected to create over 3,300 jobs , supercharging local econom...

Quaise Energy Breaks Ground in Geothermal Innovation with Millimeter-Wave Drilling

A groundbreaking milestone has just been achieved in the geothermal world.  Quaise Energy a bold energy tech startup, is turning heads by drilling through granite—not with traditional bits, but with powerful millimeter-wave energy.  By :  Robert Buluma This disruptive technology could unlock near-unlimited geothermal power deep beneath the Earth’s surface. 💡 The Power Beneath Our Feet Beneath the Earth's crust lies a massive source of heat—superhot rock that, if harnessed, could power the planet many times over. The challenge? It's buried miles deep in unforgiving conditions where traditional drill bits melt, wear down, or fail completely. Enter  Quaise Energy revolutionary solution: vaporizing rock with directed energy. ⚙️ How It Works Instead of grinding rock with steel,  Quaise uses millimeter-wave energy—essentially high-powered microwaves. These waves are delivered through a special pipe to the rock face, where they instantly melt or vaporize hard mater...

Teverra Teams Up with Dutch Innovators to Revolutionize Long-Duration Energy Storage

By:  Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the future of clean energy, Teverra , a trailblazer in subsurface energy solutions, has partnered with Dutch powerhouses IF Technology and DTESS to accelerate the global rollout of ResStor™—a revolutionary long-duration energy storage system.  This strategic collaboration aims to push the boundaries of renewable integration, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable data center cooling. At the core of this initiative is ResStor, Teverra proprietary Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage platform. Capable of storing thermal energy for several months with outstanding efficiency, ResStor is tailored for both seasonal and daily cycling, allowing precise, on-demand delivery of heat or power. This opens the door for consistent, carbon-free energy across sectors, regardless of intermittency in renewable sources like solar or wind. But the real game-changer lies in Cold-ResStor—a specialized application targeting the dat...

Exergy ORC to Revamp Ribeira Grande Geothermal Power Plant in the Azores

In a landmark move for clean energy in the Azores, Exergy ORC has secured a contract to revamp the Ribeira Grande geothermal power plant on São Miguel Island.  By :  Robert Buluma This pivotal project is being undertaken in collaboration with EDA Renováveis, and it marks Exergy's second geothermal venture in the region—reinforcing its commitment to advancing the energy transition during what is now widely regarded as the "Geothermal Decade." A Tailor-Made Solution for a Sustainable Future As part of the modernization, two outdated geothermal units will be replaced with a state-of-the-art, 5 MW Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system. This advanced solution has been specifically designed to enhance the performance and efficiency of the Ribeira Grande plant, utilizing geothermal resources more effectively and sustainably. The goal is not just to boost energy output, but to support São Miguel’s broader ambition: to run entirely on renewable energy. With the integration of Exergy...

"Steam, Scandals, and Stalled Megawatts: KenGen’s Court Battle Over Olkaria VII Consultancy"

Power, Politics, and Procurement: Inside KenGen’s Legal Battle Over Olkaria VII Geothermal Consultancy By  Robert Buluma In a dramatic twist that’s shaken Kenya’s energy sector, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is locked in a legal showdown over the consultancy tender for its highly anticipated Olkaria VII geothermal power plant. The project, aimed at injecting 80 megawatts of clean energy into the national grid, now faces turbulence—not from the underground steam chambers of Hell’s Gate, but from boardrooms and courtrooms. 🔍 What’s the Fuss About? At the heart of this high-stakes battle is a €18.16 million consultancy tender awarded to Italy’s ELC Electroconsult SPA . The catch? Their bid was over Sh200 million higher than that of the next technically qualified firm. The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB), Kenya’s watchdog for public tenders, wasn’t impressed. In a June 2025 ruling, PPARB annulled the award, citing procedural irregularities, ...

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock  with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

PGEO's Geothermal Ambition Ignites: Lumut Balai Unit 2 Nears Full Power by June 2025

PGEO's Geothermal Ambition Ignites: Lumut Balai Unit 2 Nears Full Power by June 2025 By  Alphaxioms | June 18, 2025 In the heart of Sumatra’s steamy rainforest, a silent revolution is unfolding one that doesn't spew smoke or roar with turbines, but hums with the promise of a greener tomorrow. PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGEO) is racing against time to power up its PLTP Lumut Balai Unit 2 , and with the first successful synchronization to PLN’s grid, the countdown to full commercial operation by June 2025 has officially begun. ⚡ The Beginning of a Brighter, Cleaner Era On June 16, 2025, PGEO achieved a crucial milestone: initial synchronization of Lumut Balai Unit 2 at 10% capacity (around 5.5 MW) of its total 55 MW output. What may sound like a small step was, in fact, the spark igniting a larger geothermal ambition. This step not only marks the start of transmitting electricity into the national grid, but it is also a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s forward march t...

🔥Geothermal Gold Rush: BLM New Mexico Opens Land Nominations for 2026 Lease Sale🔥

Santa Fe, New Mexico – In an exciting move for the geothermal industry, the  Bureau of land Management (BLM) New Mexico State Office is officially welcoming nominations for geothermal leasing ahead of its upcoming lease sale, expected to take place in March 2026 . By : Robert Buluma If you’ve been eyeing geothermal development opportunities, the clock is ticking— all nominations must be submitted by September 25, 2025 . ⚡ Why This Matters Geothermal energy is a game-changer. It's clean, renewable, and offers reliable baseload power—something wind and solar can’t always guarantee. As climate action intensifies and demand for sustainable power surges, tapping into the Earth’s heat is becoming one of the most promising frontiers in the American West. The BLM plays a pivotal role in this transformation, managing 245 million acres of public lands and 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estates across the country, making them a key player in the geothermal energy boom. Geothermal...

🔥 Geothermal Gold Beneath the Lion City: Singapore Uncovers Surprising Heat Power in Sembawang

When you think of Singapore, what comes to mind? Skyscrapers. Tech. Food. Green innovation. But now, add one more surprising trait to the list: geothermal powerhouse . By:  Robert Buluma That’s right beneath the city-state’s highly urbanized northern district lies a blazing opportunity that could redefine Singapore’s energy story. In a recent announcement that’s set the clean energy world abuzz, scientists from NTU Singapore and TUMCREATE revealed astonishing findings from a joint geothermal drilling project. At just 1.76 km underground in Sembawang , temperatures have soared to a jaw-dropping 122°C —a record-breaker for the region, and far higher than the 70°C earlier recorded at a shallower depth in Admiralty. This isn't just hot news. It’s a revolutionary discovery that could reshape how one of the world's most densely populated nations powers its future. 🌋 A Hidden Furnace Below the Urban Jungle This project—backed by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and th...

Teverra Powers Up Rico: A $200K Boost to Colorado’s Geothermal Future

By Robert Buluma | Alphaxioms Blog | July 8, 2025 From Fossil Fuels to the Earth’s Furnace—Rico is Rising Nestled in the mountainous beauty of southwest Colorado, the historic town of Rico is about to become a shining example of how geothermal innovation can power a resilient, carbon-free future. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Colorado Energy Office, awarded under the state’s groundbreaking Geothermal Energy Grant Program, Teverra is setting the stage for a transformative shift in how rural communities heat their homes. 🔥 A Groundbreaking Project with Groundbreaking Heat Teverra, headquartered in Atlanta, is no stranger to subsurface energy innovation. But the Rico Heat Network Project might just be one of its most impactful endeavors yet. The company plans to deploy cutting-edge subsurface analysis, thermal modeling, and engineering expertise to develop a direct-use geothermal system that will sustainably heat and cool buildings across the town. This isn’t just a pilot—it’s a pr...