Arverne expands geothermal asset portfolio with new lithium exploration permit in Auvergne Arverne secures 442.7 km² PER “Bassin de Limagne” near Clermont-Ferrand French geothermal developer Arverne (Euronext: ARVEN) has been granted an exclusive research permit (Permis Exclusif de Recherches, PER) for lithium and related substances covering the “Bassin de Limagne” in Puy‑de‑Dôme, Auvergne. The five‑year permit, announced 3 September 2026, spans 442.68 km² and adds to Arverne’s growing national portfolio of PERs: the company now holds nine permits in France, three of which are focused on lithium. The award underscores Arverne’s strategy to combine geothermal heat production with geothermal lithium extraction — an integrated model the company is already deploying elsewhere in France. For the Auvergne permit, Arverne emphasizes that the Bassin de Limagne area overlaps with its existing PER for the Riom‑Clermont‑Métropole, where 3D exploration studies have previously evaluated the subsurf...
Heating Things Up: Superhot Rock Research Unlocking Geothermal Potential
Image: This stones, the tranchyte family ...magical when underneath
In the shadow of Oregon's Newberry Volcano, a groundbreaking venture is reshaping the future of renewable energy. With heat trapped deep within the Earth's crust, superhot rock geothermal resources offer an extraordinary opportunity to redefine how we produce electricity. The Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), with the support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is at the forefront of this transformation, aiming to harness the immense potential of superhot geothermal systems.
Earlier on we had reported on how Mazama Energy had received funding from US Department of Energy , This funding had streched into Fervo Energy and Chevron New Energies.
Why Superhot Rocks Matter
Did you know that just 1% of the U.S.'s superhot rock geothermal potential could produce 4.3 terawatts of electricity—nearly four times the country’s current electricity-generating capacity? The key lies in temperatures exceeding 375°C found near volcanoes like Newberry. These extreme conditions can generate several times the power density of conventional geothermal resources, offering a firm, flexible, and low-carbon energy solution.
However, challenges abound. Existing geothermal technologies aren't fully tested for such high temperatures, making this frontier an opportunity for innovation and advancement.
Mazama Energy and the MUSE Technology
Enter Mazama Energy, a company spearheading innovation with its MUSE (Modular Unconventional Superhot Energy) technology. Designed to extract usable heat from superhot zones, MUSE technology is a game-changer. With GTO's funding, Mazama is applying this innovative system at Newberry Volcano, pushing the boundaries of what geothermal can achieve.
Mazama's project is part of GTO's Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Pilot Demonstrations, which aim to create human-made geothermal reservoirs in extreme conditions. These reservoirs could expand geothermal energy access to regions previously considered unsuitable for such technology.
The Bigger Picture
This isn't Mazama Energy's first foray into Newberry's fiery depths. Earlier GTO-funded projects proved the feasibility of creating an EGS reservoir at the site. Building on this success, the new SHR pilot project seeks to unlock superhot conditions and pave the way for large-scale geothermal development.
If successful, the project promises to drastically reduce the costs of geothermal electricity and make it a more prominent player in the U.S. energy grid. Beyond cost savings, the ability to create artificial reservoirs in superhot conditions could revolutionize energy access, making geothermal a reliable option even in unconventional locations.
Expanding Renewable Horizons
The implications of this research extend far beyond energy production. By tapping into Earth's untapped heat, GTO and projects like Mazama's are contributing to an energy revolution—one that combines sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.
As GTO continues to expand its Enhanced Geothermal Systems Pilots, the vision of secure, affordable, and accessible geothermal energy becomes more tangible. This research is a reminder of the transformative potential of science and innovation in building a sustainable future.
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