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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...

XGS Energy Acquires Capuono Engineering Geothermal Service Company To Bolster Its Grip

XGS Energy  Acquires Premier Geothermal Drilling Services Company Capuano Engineering

By:Robert Buluma

In a bold move set to redefine the geothermal energy landscape, XGS Energy has announced the acquisition of Capuano Engineering, a leading global player in geothermal drilling and completion services. This strategic acquisition positions XGS Energy to expand its innovative geothermal technology on a global scale, leveraging Capuano Engineering's extensive expertise and experience in the field.

A Leap Forward in Geothermal Technology

XGS Energy , based in Palo Alto, California, has been at the forefront of geothermal energy innovation. Their proprietary Thermal Reach Enhancement (TRE) system uses materials that are 50 times more thermally conductive than rock, enabling high-efficiency closed-loop geothermal systems. Unlike conventional geothermal technologies that require specific geological conditions and access to water reservoirs, XGS’s technology can be deployed anywhere, offering unprecedented geographic flexibility.



The Power of Expertise

The acquisition brings onboard Lou Capuano, Jr., the founder, president, and CEO of Capuano Engineering, who is widely regarded as the most technically and operationally experienced geothermal drilling engineer in the world. With decades of experience and a history of leadership within the Geothermal Resources Council, Lou Capuano's expertise is invaluable as XGS Energy embarks on constructing large-scale geothermal power infrastructure projects globally.

“Lou Capuano is the most technically and operationally experienced geothermal drilling engineer in the world. His expertise and capabilities are essential as we begin construction of large-scale geothermal power infrastructure projects around the world,” said Josh Prueher, CEO of XGS ENERGY

The Future of Geothermal Energy

Capuano Engineering, now a subsidiary of XGS, will continue to operate under its well-known brand, "Capuano Engineering, an XGS Energy Company." The subsidiary will maintain its commitment to traditional hydrothermal and next-generation geothermal developers while also dedicating resources to advancing XGS’s pioneering technology.

A Synergy of Innovation and Experience

Lou Capuano, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “In my work with the XGS team, I have consistently been impressed by the potential of their technology to drive the next wave of geothermal scale globally. By combining XGS’ disruptive technology with our extensive operational experience, I believe we have the opportunity to lead the next-generation geothermal market.”

AboutXGS Energy

XGS Energy is dedicated to providing clean, round-the-clock energy with its solid-state geothermal system, which uses thermally conductive materials to generate affordable energy from hot rock. This technology decouples geothermal energy production from traditional natural water resources and geological conditions, facilitating low-risk, geographically flexible, and rapidly deployable power projects.

About Capuano Engineering Company

Founded in 2012, Capuano Engineering Company specializes in geothermal resource development globally. With a track record of drilling hundreds of geothermal wells across various continents, Capuano Engineering is a leader in providing comprehensive project management, drilling plan development, and cost control analysis for geothermal projects.

For more information on  and its groundbreaking geothermal technology, Check here

We recently reported on XGS Energy raise of $20 Million for Geothermal Fasttracking

This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable, reliable, and globally accessible geothermal energy. With the combined strengths of XGS Energy's innovative technology and Capuano Engineering's unmatched expertise, the future of geothermal energy looks brighter than ever.

Source:Business Wire

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