Saudi Arabia Vouches on Red Sea Geothermal Rich Area To Meet Its Energy Demands

Unlocking Geothermal Energy in Saudi Arabia: From Geology to Techno-Economic Analysis

Saudi Arabia is poised to become a global leader in renewable energy, with geothermal energy emerging as a viable and sustainable option. While the Kingdom has long relied on fossil fuels, the nation's ambitious Vision 2030 plan highlights a shift towards clean energy, such as wind, solar, and now geothermal power.

The Untapped Potential of Geothermal Energy in KSA

Geologically, Saudi Arabia is endowed with significant geothermal energy resources, particularly along the Red Sea Rift Basin. This area is characterized by high heat flow from the Earth's depths, offering an ideal setting for geothermal energy development. These resources can provide sustainable baseload energy for various applications, including electricity generation, district heating and cooling, and water desalination—critical in a region where water scarcity is a pressing issue.

By tapping into geothermal resources, Saudi Arabia can reduce its reliance on oil for power generation, a move that aligns with the country's goal of lowering carbon emissions and advancing a circular carbon economy. Notably, geothermal energy, when combined with Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology, can create a dual benefit: clean energy production and efficient carbon management.

Innovative Research at KAUST

At the forefront of this initiative is the Computational Earthquake Seismology (CES) Research Group at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The group is focused on unlocking geothermal energy potential along the Red Sea by leveraging advanced tools to create 3D geological models and conduct simulations. Their research targets key locations like Al-Lith and Al-Wajh, as well as sites near the Kingdom’s visionary Giga Projects, including the Red Sea Development Project and NEOM.

Embedded in the Circular Carbon Initiative at KAUST, the CES team collaborates with prominent experts and research centers such as ANPERC to explore sustainable ways to harness low-to-medium temperature hydrothermal resources. By combining geology with techno-economic analysis, they aim to provide cost-efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

The Strategic Importance of Geothermal Energy

Saudi Arabia's reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and water desalination has long been unsustainable, both economically and environmentally. As the country faces rapid socio-economic growth and increasing water demand, alternative solutions are imperative. Geothermal energy offers several strategic advantages:

1. Baseload Energy Supply: Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal provides a continuous energy supply, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Water Desalination: With the Red Sea as a natural resource, geothermal energy can support large-scale desalination projects, ensuring a sustainable water supply.

3. Climate Action: By reducing carbon emissions and integrating with CCUS, geothermal energy supports the Kingdom's global commitments to climate change mitigation.

Techno-Economic Feasibility

One of the CES team’s landmark projects is the evaluation of a hydrothermal doublet system in Al-Wajh. This system assesses both the technical and economic feasibility of extracting and utilizing geothermal resources. By modeling the 3D thermal structure and reservoir characteristics, researchers can determine optimal drilling locations and energy outputs, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability.

A Visionary Future

The shift towards geothermal energy is more than just a scientific pursuit; it is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the Kingdom pioneers geothermal development in the region, the potential for economic diversification, environmental conservation, and energy security becomes a tangible reality.

KAUST’s efforts embody the late King Abdullah’s vision of being a "beacon for peace, hope, and reconciliation" by addressing global challenges through science and engineering. With state-of-the-art research and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is not only embracing renewable energy but also setting a precedent for sustainable development in the Middle East and beyond.

For more information, contact the Computational Earthquake Seismology Research Group at KAUST via ces.info@kaust.edu.sa or visit their facility in Thuwal.

Source:Kaust ,Mahmoud M Alghair on LinkedIn

Connect With Us:X ,LinkedIn

Comments

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...

Driving the UK Toward Net Zero: Chris Sladen on Geothermal’s Untapped Potential

Alphaxioms, we talked to Chris Sladen about his involvement in geothermal both in the UK, and globally By: Robert Buluma Chris, please begin by explaining a little about yourself, and why you have a passion for geothermal? I have spent over 45 years involved in energy. Following undergraduate studies in geology at Southampton University, and a PhD in sedimentology at Reading University, I joined the energy sector in Aberdeen in 1980. It was a fascinating era when it seemed like at least one giant oil & gas field was discovered offshore every month; the wealth creation for the UK was gigantic. I got to see so much geology and rocks - my true passion. I moved to China in late 1983; not today’s China, this was over 40 years ago, a country closed for decades and embarking on an open-door policy, in part to bring both investment and technology. I became very interested in energy trends, energy politics, and new geography created by changing politics leading to opportunities for ene...

Turboden to Deliver 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Fervo’s Cape Station Geothermal Project in Utah

Turboden , Fervo and the Future of Geothermal: 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Cape Station, Utah By: Robert Buluma October 2, 2025 In a landmark move for clean energy and geothermal power, Turboden America LLC the U.S. arm of Turboden S.p.A. (a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company) has been selected to supply 180 MW of Gen-2 Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants for Fervo Energy’s Cape Station geothermal project in Utah. A New Milestone in Geothermal Deployment This award relates to Phase II of the Cape Station development, following Turboden’s earlier participation in Phase I. Under Phase II, Turboden will provide three ORC units , each with a gross output of 60 MWe, summing to 180 MWe. Once installed and operational (targeted by 2028), these Gen-2 units will bring the total ORC capacity on site to 300 MWe , making Cape Station one of the largest geothermal installations globally. The earlier Phase I installation, invol...

XGS Energy Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone in Geothermal Innovation

XGS Energy Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone for Water-Independent Geothermal System By : Robert Buluma HOUSTON, Sept 30, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for the geothermal sector, XGS Energy has announced the successful 3,000-hour operation of its water-independent geothermal system at commercial scale. This milestone not only validates the system’s commercial economics but also positions XGS as the first company to demonstrate such technology under real-world, commercial conditions. A New Era in Geothermal Innovation The operations took place at the Coso Geothermal Field in California’s Western Mojave Desert, a site owned by Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure and operated by Coso Operating Company. XGS Energy revitalized a well that had been idle for over two decades, installing its proprietary closed-loop geothermal system enhanced by Thermal Reach Enhancement (TRE) technology. Flow testing delivered a record performance, maintaining a sustained temperature differenc...

Geothermal Projects In Africa, Countries Overview

Geothermal Projects in Africa: Country-wise Overview By : Robert Buluma Africa is increasingly turning to geothermal energy as a sustainable solution to meet its growing electricity demands. With abundant geothermal resources spread across the continent, several countries have embarked on ambitious projects to harness this clean and renewable energy source. Let's delve into the geothermal projects in various African countries, highlighting key players and prospects. Algeria Algeria is exploring its geothermal potential, particularly in the northern regions. Although in the early stages, initiatives are underway to assess feasibility and potential locations for geothermal power plants. Burundi Burundi has shown interest in developing its geothermal resources, primarily in the northwest region near Lake Tanganyika. The government is actively seeking partnerships with international firms to kickstart exploration and development efforts. Comoros The Comoros Islands are situated ...

From Iceland to the World: A Geothermal Engineer’s Journey

A Global Journey in Geothermal: Insights from an Industry Expert From Iceland’s pioneering geothermal plants to Kenya’s wellhead projects and Indonesia’s remote fields, few By: Robert Buluma Image: Lydur skulason with a geothermal well head professionals have had as wide-ranging a journey in geothermal as Lydur Skulason With decades of hands-on experience in marine engineering, power plant operations, and international project management, he has combined technical expertise with global collaboration to help shape the sector’s growth. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his career, insights on geothermal innovation, and his vision for the future of clean energy. Career & Experience Can you walk us through your career in geothermal and how it began? I began my career in Iceland, where geothermal energy is a natural part of daily life and a cornerstone of the national energy system. After studying Marine Engineering and Mechanical Technology at Reykjavik Univ...

Eavor and SLB Partners To Develop Eavor Loop Technology

Eavor & SLB : Unlocking a Revolution in Clean Energy Production By: Robert Buluma Image: The SLB & Eavor Team at Geretsried Imagine a world where energy is not only clean but also consistent, dependable, and accessible worldwide. This vision is becoming a reality, thanks to an innovative partnership between Eavor Technologies and SLB (formerly Schlumberger). Together, they are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to harnessing renewable energy, promising to redefine how we produce and consume power and heat. At the heart of this collaboration lies Eavor 's revolutionary technology, the Eavor-Loop™, a closed-loop geothermal system that is unlike anything seen before. The partnership reached a critical milestone recently at Getesried, the home of the first commercial Eavor-Loop™, where the SLB and Eavor teams met to celebrate this transformative project. What Is the Eavor-Loop™? The Eavor -Loop™ is a closed-loop geothermal system that eliminates the tradi...

Unlocking Geothermal Power: Subsurface Secrets of Mount Erciyes Revealed”

Mount Erciyes: A Hidden Geothermal Treasure Beneath Cappadocia By: Robert Buluma Beneath the snow-capped slopes of Mount Erciyes , central Turkey’s highest peak, lies more than just volcanic history it harbors the promise of geothermal energy . A new study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research has mapped the subsurface of Erciyes using three-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) imaging , revealing zones of high electrical conductivity that point to heat, fluids, and possible magma bodies deep underground. Cracking the Code Beneath the Mountain Researchers led by S.B. Tank used advanced MT techniques to peer beneath Erciyes and its surroundings. Their results uncovered conductivity anomalies regions where electricity flows more easily due to the presence of saline fluids, hot water, or partially molten rock . For geothermal experts, these anomalies are gold. They act as subsurface fingerprints of geothermal reservoirs , highlighting where heat ...

Cornish Lithium Secures £35M to Advance Geothermal Lithium and Critical Mineral Projects in the UK

Cornish Lithium Secures £35M in Equity Funding A Milestone for UK Critical Minerals By: Robert Buluma In a major boost for the UK’s domestic battery supply ambitions, Cornish Lithium has announced that it has secured £35 million in new equity funding. This capital raise is intended to propel its key projects closer to construction and commercial stages, marking a pivotal moment in the firm’s trajectory. Backing & Investors The funding round is led by existing institutional backers, with up to £31 million coming from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) , and approximately £4 million from TechMet , a long-standing investor in the company. Cornish Lithium’s legal counsel for the deal was Mayer Brown. What the Funds Will Be Used For Cornish Lithium will allocate the capital toward advancing two flagship projects: Trelavour Lithium Project : The funds will support further engineering work, feasibility studies, and help lead the project toward a construction...

Pertamina Geothermal & Toyota: A New Chapter for Green Hydrogen in Indonesia

Jakarta, September 2025 In a move that could change how Indonesia leverages its enormous geothermal endowment, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) and PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) signed a joint declaration to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem in Indonesia. By: Robert Buluma The announcement made at the 11th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE) in Jakarta signals an ambition to turn geothermal heat into a strategic feedstock for low-carbon fuels and industrial feedstocks, not just electricity. Why this matters Indonesia sits on some of the world’s richest geothermal resources. Traditionally those resources have been used to generate baseload electricity; PGE’s partnership with Toyota broadens the conversation: use geothermal power and heat to produce green hydrogen, then convert that hydrogen into transport fuels, ammonia, methanol, or industrial hydrogen for heavy industry. That pivot...

Alphaxioms Geothermal News and Related Research Globally

Search This Blog