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The Retrofit Revolution: How GreenFire Energy Is Turning Abandoned Oil & Geothermal Wells Into Continuous Clean Power Without New Drilling

The Retrofit Revolution: How GreenFire Energy Is Unlocking Geothermal Power Without Drilling a Single New Well By: Robert Buluma   While much of the geothermal energy sector has been focused on breakthrough drilling techniques—deeper wells, hotter reservoirs, and complex engineered systems—a quieter revolution has been unfolding in the background. Instead of chasing entirely new subsurface frontiers, one company has chosen a radically simpler question: What if the answer was already in the ground? GreenFire Energy is advancing a retrofit-first geothermal strategy that targets one of the most overlooked opportunities in the global energy transition: existing wells that are underperforming, depleted, or completely abandoned. Rather than drilling new holes into the Earth, the company is reusing the infrastructure that already exists—turning stranded assets into continuous sources of clean, baseload electricity. This approach is not just technically elegant. It may also be one of ...
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Geothermal Partnership to Secure Taiwans Future

Geothermal Partnership to Secure Taiwan's Energy Future



By Robert Buluma

In a move towards securing Taiwan's sustainable energy future, a groundbreaking collaboration has been forged between GNS Science of New Zealand, Taiwan's Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency (GSMMA), and National Cheng Kung University. This partnership aims to harness the power of geothermal energy, aligning with the shared vision of both nations for renewable energy and emissions reduction.


Taiwan and New Zealand share more than just geological similarities; they also have parallel trajectories in transitioning towards renewable energy sources. Recognizing the critical role of geothermal power in the energy mix, this collaboration seeks to unlock the untapped potential lying beneath both nations' landscapes.


On February 22, 2024, GNS and National Cheng Kung University held an academic seminar and cooperation discussion to solidify their commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU is focused on nurturing talent and supporting geothermal field research, laying the groundwork for future advancements in geothermal energy.


Geothermal Exploration Geologist, Andrew Rae, emphasized the excitement of partnering with Taiwan to develop its geothermal resources, drawing parallels with sedimentary geothermal systems similar to those in New Zealand. Mark Gibson, Senior Business Development Manager at GNS Science, highlighted Taiwan's potential to join the "GW club" (gigawatt) by 2050, aligning its goals with historical trajectories seen in countries like Indonesia and the Philippines.


The signing of a letter of intent between GSMMA and GNS marks a significant milestone towards future collaborations in geothermal development in Taiwan. This commitment was made amidst the backdrop of the 2nd Taiwan International Geothermal Conference, which brought together over 800 attendees from across the globe.


During the conference, Andrew Rae engaged with students and professors from National Cheng Kung University, initiating discussions to further strengthen collaboration through the development of an MoU. The support of key stakeholders, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Trade Commissioner Tina Wilson and Business Development Manager Peg Tsai, underscores the importance of this partnership.

In addition to the collaboration between GNS and NCKU, a letter of understanding was also signed between Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and New Zealand’s The University of Auckland’s Geothermal Institute. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to sharing knowledge and developing sustainable renewable energy solutions for Taiwan.

This article has The most recent Power Plant in Japan running on Geothermal

This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in Taiwan's journey towards a secure and sustainable energy future. By leveraging expertise and resources from both New Zealand and Taiwan, the potential for geothermal energy to play a leading role in Taiwan's energy mix is greater than ever before. As both nations continue to prioritize renewable energy, this collaboration sets a promising precedent for future global initiatives aimed at combating climate change and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Source: Geortermica

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