Skip to main content

Just In

Next-Gen Geothermal Funding 2026: VCs, Banks, Government Capital

Who Is Really Funding Next-Gen Geothermal in 2026? Next-generation geothermal has moved beyond laboratory research into a capital-intensive commercialization phase. In 2026, the most important financing is no longer coming from one investor category: venture capital funds are financing drilling, subsurface modelling and hardware; strategic energy companies are providing equipment, project access and market credibility; banks are beginning to lend against contracted projects; and governments are absorbing exploration and first-of-a-kind technology risk. The strongest financing activity is concentrated in the United States and Canada, but Europe is becoming increasingly important through Germany-based deployment, European Union grants, UK innovation support, and strategic participation from European energy companies. The central investment question is changing from “Can this technology work?” to “Can the developer deliver repeatable, financeable projects at commercial cost?” The 2026 fun...

GeoTHERM Expo & Congress opens public door with 49+ Special Lecturers

SGeoTHERM 2025: The Ultimate Marketplace for Geothermal Energy

By:Robert Buluma

The global stage is set for GeoTHERM 2025, Europe’s largest geothermal energy trade fair and congress, taking place from February 20th to 21st at Messe Offenburg, Germany. This highly anticipated event promises to unite industry experts, researchers, students, and citizens, fostering groundbreaking discussions on the potential of geothermal energy in our future energy mix.  

A Grand Opening to Set the Stage

The event kicks off on February 20th with an inspiring welcome address by Hans-Peter Kopp, Mayor for Finance, Culture, and Social Affairs of Offenburg. The keynote speech by Dr. Andre Baumann, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy Economy of Baden-Württemberg, will highlight the importance of geothermal energy in achieving climate goals and accelerating innovation.

EGEC, a GeoTHERM affiliated run initiative is on the record of running one of the best yet transparent events when it comes to Europe geothermal.  

A Wealth of Knowledge

GeoTHERM 2025 will feature 50 specialist lectures covering critical issues in both near-surface and deep geothermal energy. These sessions will showcase the latest developments in research, technology, and applications, offering invaluable insights into the future of the geothermal industry.  

Engaging Side Events 

The event's side activities are a treasure trove for participants looking to deepen their expertise. On the eve of GeoTHERM, attendees can join the SpeicherCity workshop, focusing on "Aquifer Storage for Germany."  

The first day brings the Geothermal Energy Practice Forum by the Federal Association of Heat Pumps and the BDG Workshop, tailored for students in geosciences seeking career guidance. On February 21st, the Career Connect program bridges the gap between students and industry players through guided tours and networking opportunities.  

Citizens’ Forum: Geothermal Energy for Everyone 

A unique highlight of the event is the GeoTHERM Citizens' Forum scheduled for February 21st at 11:30 a.m. This interactive session offers citizens a chance to engage directly with experts from the State Research Center for Geothermal Energy (LfZG) to explore the potential of geothermal energy and its diverse applications. Participants can enjoy a free guided tour of the trade fair after the session, making it an educational and inspiring experience for all.  

This earlier written article highlights some of the geothermal companies in the region joining forces to unleash the heat beneath our feet.

Access and Tickets

Visitors can purchase a 1-day ticket for €62 or a 2-day ticket for €92, granting access to both the trade fair and congress. Tickets are available online for convenience.  

Practical Information

Venue: Messe Offenburg, Schutterwälder Str. 3, 77656 Offenburg  

Opening Hours:  

  February 20th: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.  

  February 21st: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  

For detailed information, visit www.geotherm-offenburg.de or contact Project Manager Gabriele Weislogel at +49 (0)781 9226-246 or via email at weislogel@messe-offenburg.de.  

This region is on the record of hitting firsts when it comes to geothermal research and why not have an indepth dive.

Join the Geothermal Revolution

GeoTHERM 2025 is not just an event—it’s a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and progress in the geothermal sector. Whether you’re an expert, a student, or a curious citizen, this two-day gathering will ignite your passion for renewable energy and connect you to a vibrant global community.  

Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today and be part of shaping the future of geothermal energy!

Source: GeoTHERM

Connect With Us:LinkedIn , X

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

GDC Opens Restricted Tender for Menengai Wellbore Scale Services

GDC Opens Restricted Tender for Menengai Wellbore Scale Services Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company Limited (GDC) has announced a new restricted tender targeting one of the most technically important challenges in geothermal field operations: scale formation and its removal from geothermal wells and formations . The procurement notice, posted by GDC on 29 September 2026 , seeks qualified firms to provide specialized downhole wellbore and formation-scale removal and scaling mitigation services for geothermal wells and reservoirs at the Menengai Geothermal Field . The planned service period is three years , creating an opportunity for specialized geothermal service companies with experience in downhole intervention, scale management, wellbore remediation and formation-scale mitigation. According to the notice, interested and qualified firms must submit their full company details and contacts together with their Electronic Government Procurement System (eGP) registration number t...

Quaise Energy Secures DOE Funding for Superhot Geothermal Plant

Quaise Energy Wins DOE Support for Project Obsidian as Superhot Geothermal Moves Toward Commercial Scale Quaise Energy’s selection for up to $25 million in U.S. Department of Energy support is a meaningful milestone for superhot geothermal power, especially because it is tied to Project Obsidian, the company’s flagship commercial-scale Enhanced Geothermal System in Central Oregon. The award strengthens the case that superhot geothermal is shifting from laboratory promise toward field-tested infrastructure, with the first well triplet designed to validate a path to more than 25 megawatts of gross electric power and future expansion potential much larger than that.  DOE backs superhot geothermal The U.S. Department of Energy selected Quaise under its Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation funding opportunity, part of a broader $99 million geothermal push announced this week .According to DOE, the selected projects are mean...

Fervo Energy’s Cape Station Reaches Commercial Operation: A Milestone for Enhanced Geothermal

Fervo Energy’s Cape Station Reaches Commercial Operation: What the Milestone Means for Next‑Generation Geothermal On October 1, 2026, Fervo Energy announced that its first GeoBlock at Cape Station in Beaver County, Utah, reached contractual commercial operation , achieving 33 MW net and beginning revenue under a power purchase agreement (PPA). The declaration , reached one day ahead of the contractual commercial operation date after grid synchronization on September 24 , marks an important moment for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) : a greenfield, first‑of‑a‑kind development moving from construction into contracted revenue. This article explains the technical approach Fervo used, evaluates performance and schedule claims, examines cost and scalability implications, places the project in the competitive market context, and summarizes key risks investors and industry watchers should track. What Fervo built: GeoBlocks and the Cape Station design Fervo’s project architecture centers on ...

El Salvador Opens Tender for Integrated Drilling Services for Eight Chinameca Geothermal Wells

El Salvador Advances Tender for Integrated Drilling Services for Eight Geothermal Wells in Chinameca El Salvador is preparing a major geothermal drilling campaign at the Chinameca geothermal field, where state-owned developer LaGeo plans to procure integrated drilling services for up to eight deep geothermal wells. The tender forms part of a wider programme designed to confirm the field’s underground resource, secure steam for a new power plant and expand the country’s renewable electricity generation capacity. The planned contract is expected to cover drilling services, materials, accessories, casing and pipes, together with complementary services required to complete the wells. LaGeo has already initiated early market engagement to obtain feedback from potential contractors before launching the formal procurement process.  The Chinameca campaign is supported through the World Bank-financed El Salvador Geothermal Energy for Sustainable and Inclusive Development Project. The broade...

Manitoba Invests $4 Million in Geothermal Neighbourhood Development

Manitoba Invests $4 Million in First Large-Scale Geothermal District Manitoba is moving geothermal energy from individual buildings toward large-scale community heating and cooling, with the provincial government committing up to $4 million to a planned geothermal district at the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus in Winnipeg. The project, known as Southwood Circle , is planned as an approximately 80-acre mixed-use development that could eventually include more than 1,000 homes alongside office, commercial, retail and hospitality space. According to the Manitoba government, the geothermal system is expected to provide heating and cooling for at least 1,000 new homes by 2028 , making it the province's first large-scale geothermal district energy system. The announcement forms part of Manitoba's new Net Zero Action Plan , released on September 9, 2026. The plan sets out 90 actions intended to guide the province toward its stated net-zero emissions objective by 20...

IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference tackles drilling challenges as geothermal scales; 17-18 November

IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference 2026: Where Upstream Innovation Meets Practical Delivery The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) is staging a timely gathering for the geothermal upstream community in Copenhagen on 17–18 November 2026. The IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference & Exhibition convenes drilling contractors, completion engineers, developers, regulators and equipment suppliers around one clear mission: accelerate reliable, scalable geothermal production by transferring upstream know‑how from oil & gas into the emerging geothermal value chain. For operators and service companies focused on subsurface risk reduction, contracting efficiency and cost control, this conference is more than a networking event , it is a practical blueprint for the next wave of geothermal projects. Why this conference matters now The global energy transition is pushing geothermal from niche baseload projects toward diversified, financeable portfolios that serve heat, pow...

Belgrade Launches Phase 3 Geothermal Study Tender for District Heating

JKP Beogradske elektrane , has launched a new tender for the third phase of scientific studies into the geothermal potential of underground water resources at sites within its heating-plant and boiler-house network.  The procurement is for services, uses an open procedure, and carries reference number 160 ОУ/26. The submission deadline is 19 October 2026 at 10:30, and the tender status is listed as published.  This procurement is significant because it shows that the city’s geothermal program is moving beyond preliminary exploration and into a more detailed assessment phase. The tender documentation indicates that the work is intended to support the evaluation of geothermal resources for district heating use, which aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in urban heating systems.  What the Tender Covers The procurement title is “Phase 3 scientific study of the geothermal potential of underground water resources in the territory of heating plants and...

Aulnay-sous-Bois Advances Geothermal Heating Project After 2,000m Drilling

Aulnay-sous-Bois Advances Its Geothermal Heating Project After Completing 2,000-Metre Drilling Aulnay-sous-Bois, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department of France’s Île-de-France region, has reached an important milestone in the development of its local geothermal heating network. After approximately four months of work, drilling for the city’s geothermal project was completed during the summer of 2026. The well reaches nearly 2,000 metres beneath the surface, where the project will access the Dogger aquifer. At this depth, naturally occurring geothermal water reaches temperatures of approximately 70°C. Once the facility becomes operational, the heat extracted from the aquifer is expected to supply most of the energy required by Aulnay-sous-Bois’s district heating network. The project is scheduled to enter service before the end of 2026. According to Groupe Coriance, the geothermal system is expected to cover 93% of the network’s requirements, produce approximately 140 GWh of heat each yea...

Grenada Geothermal Project Advances With Slimhole Wells Procurement.

Grenada’s Geothermal Slimhole Procurement Signals Project Momentum Grenada has moved another step forward in its geothermal drilling program with a new invitation to bid for civil infrastructure and water supply equipment for two geothermal slimhole wells, a procurement package that points to concrete field preparation rather than just planning on paper . The notice breaks the work into three lots and covers access roads, drill pad civil works, water supply infrastructure, and power equipment needed to support drilling operations . Project Context The procurement is being issued by Grenada’s Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy through its Project Management Unit, while the Ministry of Infrastructure serves as the executing agency . The works are tied to the Government of Grenada’s geothermal drilling project and are being financed in part by the Caribbean Development Bank, according to the notice [1]. That funding link matters because it shows the proje...

Unlocking Impermeable Geothermal Reservoirs: Hydraulic Stimulation, Menengai and Olkaria

Unlocking the Impermeable Reservoir: Lessons from a 30-Year Reservoir Engineer An Alphaxioms interview with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Context: Menengai East and Olkaria Central. Every geothermal developer knows the moment.  The rig is gone and the money is spent. The well is drilled to depth, the temperature is there, and then the well will not flow. The heat is real, but the connection between the well and the reservoir is not. Wells like this sit at the centre of one of the most important questions in geothermal development: what do you do with a tight reservoir? Walk away and drill again, or find a way to unlock what is already there? To explore the question, Alphaxioms spoke with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Richard brings 30 years of global experience in geothermal energy.  We framed our questions around two settings, Menengai East and Olkaria Central, and asked him how ...