Skip to main content

Just In

KenGen Risks Losing Olkaria Geothermal Wells Over Licence Error

KenGen Risks Losing Olkaria Wells Over 18-Year Licence Blunder Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) faces a serious legal and operational risk at Olkaria after an error in the coordinates of its geothermal licence left part of the company’s wells, steam infrastructure and other assets outside its legally recognised area. The licensing mistake, made nearly two decades ago, remains unresolved despite the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum acknowledging the problem in 2017.  The dispute has raised questions about the security of KenGen’s investments, the government’s management of geothermal resources and the potential consequences for Kenya’s electricity supply. Olkaria is the country’s most important geothermal centre and accounts for the overwhelming majority of Kenya’s installed geothermal generation capacity.  Licence Error Exposes Strategic Assets The problem dates back to September 19, 2008, when the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum issued KenGen a licence covering ...

The $500 Billion Energy Revolution: How Geothermal is About to Change Everything

A Silent Energy Revolution is Underway

Robert Buluma

The global energy landscape is shifting. While solar and wind have dominated discussions on renewable energy, a new powerhouse is emerging geothermal energy. Backed by investments from tech giants, oil majors, and governments, geothermal is quietly positioning itself as the next trillion-dollar industry. With the potential to replace fossil fuels, reshape economies, and revolutionize energy grids, geothermal is no longer a niche sector it’s the future of energy.

In this article, we’ll explore why geothermal energy is set to explode, the key players driving this shift, and how it could disrupt traditional energy markets.

The Key Players Betting on Geothermal

Geothermal energy is no longer just the domain of specialized companies. Big Tech, oil giants, and governments are now pouring billions into the sector, recognizing its potential to provide constant, baseload power something wind and solar still struggle with. Here are the biggest investors:

1. Google & Big Tech’s Green Ambitions

Tech companies need huge amounts of power for data centers, and geothermal provides stable, renewable energy without the intermittency of solar and wind. Google has partnered with Fervo Energy to develop next-generation geothermal plants, betting that it will be a game-changer in clean energy production.

2. Oil Giants Pivoting to Geothermal

Traditionally, oil companies have been resistant to renewables, but that’s changing.

3. Governments Pouring Billions into Geothermal Expansion

The The US Department of Energy has launched initiatives like the Enhanced Geothermal Shot, aiming to cut geothermal costs by 90% and deploy 60 GW of capacity by 2050.

Enhanced Geothermal Systems , image credit US DOE

Meanwhile, Kenya, Iceland, Japan, and Indonesia are leading the charge in geothermal development, using their vast volcanic resources to power entire cities.

Image: The Olkaria Geothermal field in Kenya

The Hidden Potential of Geothermal Energy

Despite being a renewable resource with a 24/7 energy supply, geothermal has historically been underutilized. However, new technologies are unlocking its potential in ways previously thought impossible.

1. Supercritical Geothermal: The Energy Game-Changer

Scientists have discovered that supercritical geothermal fluids, found at ultra-high temperatures deep below the Earth, can produce up to 10 times more energy than conventional geothermal wells. Countries like Iceland and Japan are already exploring this next-generation geothermal technology.

Superhot rock is amongst the many Geothermal new founds that are disrupting the Technology

2. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Drilling into the Future

Traditional geothermal relies on naturally occurring steam pockets, but EGS technology creates artificial reservoirs, allowing geothermal development almost anywhere in the world. Startups like Quaise Energy are working on drilling technology that can reach extreme depths, potentially tapping into limitless energy supplies.

3. Repurposing Oil & Gas Infrastructure for Geothermal

The oil and gas industry has spent decades perfecting deep drilling technologies. These same techniques can be used to repurpose abandoned wells for geothermal power. This means that even former fossil fuel strongholds like Texas, Saudi Arabia, and Canada could become major geothermal players.

Why the Oil Industry is Worried

With geothermal gaining momentum, the traditional oil industry is facing a major challenge. Here’s why they’re worried:

  • Oil infrastructure can be adapted for geothermal, reducing the need for drilling new wells.
  • Geothermal energy is renewable, emissions-free, and available 24/7, making it a serious competitor to fossil fuels.
  • Investors are shifting away from fossil fuels as climate policies push for carbon-neutral energy solutions.

However, rather than fight the change, many oil companies are pivoting toward geothermal development to stay ahead of the curve.

The Global Impact: How Geothermal Will Change Everything

The widespread adoption of geothermal energy won’t just change the energy sector—it will transform economies, job markets, and global politics.

1. Geothermal Will Disrupt the Global Energy Market

Countries that currently rely on importing oil and gas will be able to produce their own clean energy locally, reducing their dependence on geopolitically unstable regions. This could weaken oil-rich nations’ grip on global energy markets.

2. Geothermal Will Create Millions of Jobs

As the industry expands, demand for geologists, engineers, drill operators, and energy analysts will skyrocket. Countries investing in geothermal today will lead the clean energy job boom of the next decade.

3. Developing Nations Will Leapfrog into Renewable Energy

Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America have huge untapped geothermal potential. With the right investments, these regions could bypass fossil fuels entirely and transition directly to a geothermal-powered future.

What’s Next? (Call to Action)

With billions of dollars flowing into geothermal, now is the best time to pay attention. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Investors: Watch geothermal startups like Eavor, Quaise, and Fervo they could be the next Tesla of renewables. Fervo had raised a whooping $225 million in bolstering geothermal energy
  2. Policy Makers: Push for geothermal incentives and funding to accelerate adoption.
  3. Energy Professionals: Consider upskilling in geothermal exploration and drilling this industry is about to explode.
  4. General Public: Stay informed. Follow Alphaxioms, for reports, and news  covering geothermal breakthroughs.
    Fervo Geothermal rig standing poised drilling deeper for the heat beneath our feet

The energy revolution is here, and geothermal is leading the way. Will you be part of the change?

Final Thoughts

Geothermal energy is no longer a niche technology it’s the future of global energy. With major investments, policy shifts, and cutting-edge technology, we are at the beginning of a geothermal revolution that could reshape the world.

The only question is: will you be part of it?

At Alphaxioms we have done a global geothermal mapping of where the best geothermal resources can be found and should you need to invest your billions always reach us at alphaxiomsgeothermal@gmail.com

Source: Researched and written by Alphaxioms

Connect with us: Linkedin, X

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Jicarilla Apache Geothermal Study Wins $2.5 Million Grant

Jicarilla Apache Nation Launches $2.5 Million Geothermal Feasibility Study The Jicarilla Apache Nation in northern New Mexico has launched a major investigation into its geothermal energy potential after receiving a $2.5 million grant from the State of New Mexico. The funding will support a detailed feasibility study examining whether underground heat resources on tribal lands could be developed for electricity generation, direct heating, or other energy applications. The initiative represents an important step in the Nation’s efforts to understand and diversify its energy resources. Although the Jicarilla Apache Nation has not yet committed to building a geothermal facility, the study could provide the geological, technical, and economic information required for future investment decisions. The project is particularly significant because the Nation already has extensive experience with subsurface exploration through its oil and gas activities. Existing geological records, drilling inf...

Ijen vs Zanskar: Blind Geothermal Energy Discovery and Development

Ijen’s Blind Geothermal System vs. Zanskar’s AI-Discovered Resources: Two Models for Finding Hidden Heat The geothermal industry is entering a new phase in which the most valuable resources may no longer be the fields marked by obvious hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, or steaming ground. Increasingly, developers are targeting “blind” or hidden geothermal systems,reservoirs that lack clear surface expressions but can still contain the temperature, permeability, and fluid needed for commercial power generation. Two examples illustrate how different parts of the industry are approaching this challenge. In Indonesia, the Blawan-Ijen geothermal field in East Java was developed through geological interpretation, magnetotelluric imaging, conceptual modelling, and drilling. The project is now operating commercially, with its first phase delivering approximately 35 MW to the Java grid under a 30-year power purchase agreement.  In the United States, Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals is using...

Vercana Electric Rig Advances Geothermal Brine Lithium Extraction Economics

Electric-Rig Direct Lithium Extraction From Geothermal Brine: The Economics of Vercana Versus Ormat Vulcan Energy Resources is pursuing an integrated model that combines geothermal drilling, direct lithium extraction, renewable electricity and industrial heat. Through its Vercana subsidiary, the company is also using electric drilling equipment designed to support the development of its Lionheart project in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley. The approach differs from the conventional geothermal model represented by Ormat Technologies, whose core business remains geothermal power generation, equipment, project development and energy storage rather than commercial lithium recovery from geothermal brine.  The economic question is broader than whether an electric drilling rig costs less to operate than a diesel rig. The more important issue is whether electric drilling, geothermal energy and direct lithium extraction can create a more valuable integrated project than a conventional geotherm...

Western Geothermal Power Transmission Roadmap Toward 2030

Geothermal Power in the Western United States: A Transmission and Planning Roadmap to 2030 Introduction The Western United States is approaching a decisive period for geothermal power. Electricity demand is rising because of data centers, industrial electrification, population growth, electric vehicles and the replacement of retiring fossil-fuel generation. At the same time, utilities are under growing pressure to add clean resources that can operate reliably when solar and wind output declines. Geothermal power is well positioned to fill this role. Unlike weather-dependent generation, geothermal plants can provide firm electricity for long periods, support grid reliability and reduce the amount of storage required in deeply decarbonized power systems. However, the industry’s expansion will depend on more than subsurface heat and drilling technology. By 2030, transmission access, resource planning, project finance, permitting and utility procurement will determine whether geothermal be...

Billionaire Families Bet on Advanced Geothermal Energy Investments

Billionaire Geothermal Families Bet on Geothermal Billionaire families and private investment offices are placing increasingly large bets on geothermal energy, especially on technologies designed to make the resource available in more locations. Their investments are helping finance enhanced geothermal systems, advanced drilling, closed-loop designs, and other approaches that could transform geothermal from a regionally concentrated power source into a globally scalable clean-energy industry. The investment surge reflects a broader change in the energy market. Electricity demand is rising because of artificial intelligence, data centers, industrial electrification, electric vehicles, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. At the same time, utilities and large corporations need power that is reliable around the clock. Solar and wind remain essential to the clean-energy transition, but their output varies with weather and time of day. Geothermal could complement these technologies ...

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...

Global Geothermal Investment 2026: 15 High-Growth Markets

Global Geothermal Investment 2026: 15 Markets Where Developers Should Look Next Geothermal energy is entering its most investable decade yet, with developers, drilling contractors, turbine suppliers and private capital providers scanning a widening map of opportunities beyond the traditional “big five” producers.  This article profiles 15 markets where project pipelines, policy signals, resource quality and technology readiness converge to create compelling entry points in 2026 and beyond.  Why 2026 Is a Turning Point for Geothermal Capital Global geothermal investment is accelerating as governments seek firm, low‑carbon baseload to back up variable wind and solar, while advanced drilling and subsurface engineering lower costs and expand the resource base. Market analysts project the geothermal energy market to reach roughly USD 13.56 billion by 2030, up from about USD 9.81 billion in 2025, implying sustained double‑digit growth in development spend. Capital is flowing not onl...

Alberta Geothermal Startup Phase Secures Funding for High-Temperature Drilling Sensors

Alberta’s Phase Targets a Critical Geothermal Drilling Barrier With High-Temperature Sensors Alberta is using its deep oil-and-gas expertise to pursue a new opportunity beneath the surface: geothermal energy. Among the companies receiving support through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Drilling Technology Challenge is Edmonton-based Phase Advanced Sensor Systems Corp., which is developing a high-temperature downhole pressure sensor for enhanced geothermal systems. The project addresses a problem that could determine whether deep geothermal energy becomes commercially viable: operators need reliable, accurate information from wells exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Phase plans to demonstrate a sensor capable of operating at temperatures above 200°C, with testing planned at 200°C, 250°C and 275°C.  The project has a total value of approximately C$1.57 million, including C$420,000 in ERA funding, according to Alberta’s project information.  Dealroom reported the award as approx...

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 ...

Menengai Geothermal Project Delays Expose Kenya’s Broken Steam Supply Model

Menengai’s Broken Promise: How Kenya’s Geothermal Model Lost the Steam Thematic image of the Olkaria Geothermal Field  Kenya’s Menengai geothermal project was sold as a model of modern public-private partnership. The state would carry the difficult and expensive burden of geothermal exploration and drilling. Private power producers would then build, own and operate power plants. Geothermal Development Company would supply the steam; the independent power producers would convert it into electricity; Kenya Power would buy the output. On paper, the arrangement was elegant. In practice, Menengai has exposed a far more uncomfortable reality: Kenya’s public steam-supply model is not delivering the certainty it promised. Menengai Phase I was designed to produce 105 megawatts from three 35 MW plants. GDC’s own project page says the three plants were awarded to Globeleq Menengai Geothermal, Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power and OrPower Twenty Two under a build-own-operate structure. Yet the ...