Skip to main content

Just In

Geothermal Energy Costs: Why Drilling Discipline Decides Bankable Megawatts

Geothermal Isn't Expensive: The Reservoir Always Has the Final Say Somewhere beneath a volcanic ridge, a drill bit is turning through rock that has not moved in two million years. It costs money every second it turns. And nobody on the surface — not the engineer, not the financier, not the minister who announced the megawatts — knows yet whether that well will produce steam or silence. That single moment explains almost everything people get wrong about geothermal energy. Geothermal is routinely described as expensive, slow, capital-hungry and haunted by drilling risk. Investors are reminded that tens of millions can disappear underground before a single megawatt reaches a grid. All of that is true. But it is not the whole truth. The uncomfortable question the industry keeps avoiding is this: is geothermal expensive, or is the way we develop geothermal making it expensive? Those are two completely different problems. One is geology. The other is us. Why Geothermal Refuses to Be...

Warmeverband To Start Geothermal Power Plant Construction Upon a Succeful Geological Survey Come 2025

Harnessing Earth's Energy: Riehen's Groundbreaking Geothermal Endeavor

By:Robert Buluma

In the heart of Riehen, Switzerland, a quiet revolution is underway, one that promises to reshape the community's energy landscape for decades to come. For the past 30 years, Riehen has been tapping into the Earth's natural warmth to power its heating systems, pioneering the use of geothermal energy in the region. Now, with a newfound zeal for sustainable energy solutions, the town is embarking on an ambitious journey towards expanding its geothermal infrastructure.

The latest chapter in Riehen's geothermal saga unfolds with the revelation of a prospective site for a second geothermal facility. The announcement, made by the Riehen District Heating Company (Wärmeverbund Riehen AG), marks a significant milestone in the town's quest for energy independence. After meticulous assessments and geological surveys, a parcel of land in the Grendelmatten area emerged as the prime location for the new facility.

Projected to commence construction as early as 2025, the proposed facility signifies not only a technological advancement but also a testament to Riehen's unwavering commitment to sustainability. With the capacity to serve an additional 4000 residents, the expansion holds the promise of reducing carbon emissions and bolstering the town's resilience against fluctuating energy prices.

The journey towards this groundbreaking endeavor has been paved with dedication and innovation. Months of meticulous data analysis and underground exploration preceded the selection of the optimal site. Collaborative efforts between experts from various fields have ensured that every aspect, from regulatory compliance to geological integrity, has been meticulously scrutinized.

The significance of Riehen's geothermal expansion extends beyond its borders, serving as a beacon of inspiration for communities worldwide grappling with the challenges of energy transition. By harnessing the Earth's renewable resources, Riehen exemplifies the transformative potential of sustainable initiatives in combating climate change and fostering a greener future for generations to come.

As the wheels of progress continue to turn in Riehen, the town stands poised at the forefront of a paradigm shift in energy consumption. With each drill and excavation, it inches closer to realizing its vision of a cleaner, more resilient tomorrow. In the saga of Riehen's geothermal journey, the pages are turning towards a brighter, more sustainable chapter, where the forces of nature become allies in the quest for a better world.

This might concur in timeline with a similar power plant being put out by TGDC in Ngozi, Tanzania

Source:Badische Zeitung De

Connect With Us:Alphaxioms

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

COWI and Sinotech Advance Taiwan’s Super-Hot Geothermal Potential

COWI and Sinotech Team Up on Taiwan’s Super-Hot Geothermal Potential Taiwan’s geothermal story is moving from possibility to execution, and the COWI-Sinotech collaboration is a sign that the sector is entering a more serious phase of development. The partnership is focused on unlocking super-hot geothermal resources, which could improve project economics and expand the country’s clean-energy options. Introduction Geothermal has long been one of Taiwan’s most intriguing renewable resources because the island sits on active tectonic terrain with strong heat potential. What has held the sector back is not a lack of heat, but the difficulty of converting that heat into bankable projects at scale. The new collaboration between COWI and Sinotech points to a more technical, internationally connected approach to solving that problem. Why Taiwan Matters Taiwan has ambitious decarbonization goals, and geothermal fits neatly into the need for firm, low-carbon power. Unlike solar and wind, geot...

GEL Technical Grade Lithium Milestone Boosts UK Geothermal Supply

GEL’s Technical-Grade Lithium Milestone Could Reshape UK Critical Minerals Supply Geothermal Engineering Ltd’s latest announcement is an important step for the UK’s lithium ambitions. The company says lithium carbonate produced from deep geothermal brine at United Downs now meets the 99.3% purity threshold for technical-grade material, which means it can be sold directly to battery supply chains without further refining.   Why this milestone matters This is significant because it moves geothermal lithium closer to commercial relevance, not just technical proof. A material that already meets market specification is much easier to integrate into downstream battery and industrial supply chains. It also strengthens the case that geothermal brines can support both clean power generation and critical minerals production from the same asset base.   For the UK, the timing is especially relevant. The government has set a target of meeting 10% of domestic critical mineral de...

Cornish Lithium Awards Halliburton Contract for Geothermal Lithium Project Development

Cornish Lithium awards contract for Cross Lanes Geothermal Lithium Project to Halliburton‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌...

Germany Invests €18.8 Million in Geothermal Energy at FH Münster

Germany Invests €18.8 Million in Geothermal Energy at FH Münster North Rhine-Westphalia is putting geothermal energy at the center of its strategy to build more sustainable, energy-efficient and research-driven infrastructure. The state government has committed €18.8 million to expand geothermal heating and cooling at FH Münster’s Technology Campus Steinfurt, creating a major real-world laboratory for geothermal heat pumps, energy efficiency and climate-neutral campus development. The funding is part of the €60 billion Nordrhein-Westfalen-Plan für gute Infrastruktur , a 12-year infrastructure investment program described by the state as the largest investment program in North Rhine-Westphalia’s history. Of the total program, €2.3 billion is allocated to universities, research, higher education and knowledge transfer. For geothermal energy, the Steinfurt project is particularly significant because it goes beyond simply installing a heating system. The campus is being transformed into a...

Quaise Energy’s Project Obsidian in Oregon: The World’s First Commercial Superhot Geothermal Plant

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...

Mijnwater Starts Terhoevenderweg Drilling for New 634-Meter Heat Source in Heerlen

Mijnwater starts drilling for new heat source on Terhoevenderweg in Heerlen New source expands Parkstad’s district heating and cooling network Mijnwater has started drilling work for a new heat source at Terhoevenderweg in Heerlen, marking another important step in the expansion of its sustainable heating and cooling network in Parkstad. After a period of preparation, work began this week and is expected to continue for three to four weeks. Because the operation must be completed safely and efficiently, the drilling is taking place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project is part of Mijnwater’s broader effort to strengthen a low-carbon energy system for the region. The new source will tap warm groundwater in a former mine passage deep underground and feed that energy into the company’s network. For Heerlen and the surrounding area, this means further development of a district energy system that draws value from the region’s mining past while supporting a more sustainable energy ...

Saudi Arabia AI Data Centers Adopt Strataphy PrimeLoop Cooling Technology

Strataphy Partners With HUMAIN to Deploy PrimeLoop Cooling Across Saudi Arabia’s AI Data Centers Saudi Arabia is moving rapidly to establish itself as a global artificial intelligence and data-center powerhouse, and one of the most important challenges facing that ambition is not simply how much computing capacity can be installed, but how efficiently that computing capacity can be cooled. At LEAP 2026, Strataphy announced a partnership with HUMAIN to deploy its PrimeLoop® cooling technology across HUMAIN’s data-center infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the announcement, the engagement represents the first deployment of its kind for PrimeLoop® in Saudi Arabia and is designed to address one of the fundamental constraints of large-scale AI infrastructure: thermal management. The partnership comes as HUMAIN works toward a target of approximately 6 GW of AI compute. At that scale, cooling becomes a strategic infrastructure issue rather than a conventional dat...

Mazama Energy Athena Drilling Milestone Boosts Superhot Rock Geothermal Economics

Mazama Energy’s Athena drilling milestone points to a new phase for superhot rock geothermal Mazama Energy says its Athena well at Newberry, Oregon reached 10,350 feet in 15 drilling days, cutting the drilling time to the same depth by 80% versus its 2025 result. The company says the performance supports a broader case for superhot rock geothermal as a lower-cost, scalable source of firm power.   A faster drilling result Mazama’s update is important because drilling speed is one of the biggest cost drivers in geothermal development. Reaching the same depth in 15 days instead of the much longer 2025 campaign suggests the team is learning quickly and improving operational efficiency. The company also reported instantaneous rates of penetration above 350 feet per hour and sustained rates above 130 feet per hour over extended intervals.   That matters because geothermal economics often hinge on whether drilling can be made predictable, repeatable, and cheaper over time. ...

Neptune Energy’s Altmark Lithium Pilot Phase II Advances Adsorption-Based DLE for European Battery Supply

Neptune Energy launches Pilot Phase II for lithium extraction in the Altmark: paving the way for European battery supply Neptune Energy has begun the second pilot phase of its Altmark Lithium Extraction Project (ALE). After a broad evaluation of  Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies in pilot phase I, the company is now focusing on an adsorption process and testing various adsorbent materials together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies (IEG). The project aims to recover lithium from thermal deep groundwater in northern Saxony-Anhalt economically and with environmental safeguards , a step toward regional supply chains for battery raw materials in Europe. Project status and technical objectives A project-related resource of around 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) has been identified in the Altmark. The lithium is dissolved in thermal water at depths between approximately 3,000 and 4,000 metres. Neptune Energy...

Ireland’s Deep Heat: Surveying Geothermal Potential Beneath Dublin

Dublin’s seismic survey will map deep underground geology to assess geothermal potential, reduce uncertainty, and support future clean, local energy development Dublin is about to become a live laboratory for one of the clean energy questions of the decade: can the heat stored deep beneath the city help warm homes, offices, schools, and hospitals? The answer is not known yet, but the Dublin Seismic Survey is designed to find out by mapping the geology 2 to 3 kilometres underground with a safe, non-invasive method that has already been used successfully in other European cities . A city listening underground At street level, the survey may look deceptively simple: a specialist truck pauses at intervals, presses a vibration plate to the road, and sends controlled energy into the ground. That energy bounces off different rock layers and structures, then returns to sensors along the route, where it is recorded and processed into images of the subsurface . The process is built around precis...