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T5 Smackover Partners Signs Geothermal Lithium Offtake Deal with Glencore in East Texas

T5 Smackover Partners and Glencore Deal: A Turning Point for Geothermal Lithium in East Texas By: Robert Buluma  When Geothermal Stops Being Just Energy A quiet but powerful shift is unfolding in the global energy landscape. For decades, geothermal energy has been discussed almost exclusively as a clean electricity source. But in 2026, that definition is rapidly expanding. The latest signal comes from East Texas, where T5 Smackover Partners has signed a binding offtake agreement with global commodities giant Glencore for lithium carbonate production from the Smackover Formation. On the surface, it looks like another lithium deal in a crowded critical minerals market. But underneath, it represents something far more significant: the merging of geothermal energy systems with large-scale mineral extraction, particularly lithium, at an industrial scale. This is not just about batteries. It is about energy systems becoming mineral systems—and mineral systems becoming energy syst...
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Google and Baseload Capital Forge Groundbreaking Geothermal Partnership in Taiwan

A Major Leap for Clean Energy and the Digital Economy


In a bold and inspiring move, Google has partnered with Baseload Capital Sweden AB, a renowned global geothermal energy developer, to reshape the future of sustainable energy in Asia. This historic agreement, announced on April 15, 2025, marks the first-ever corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) for geothermal energy in Taiwan a monumental step toward 24/7 carbon-free energy for the tech industry.
As digital infrastructure expands rapidly across the globe, fueled by artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centers, the demand for reliable and clean energy has never been more urgent. This partnership not only fulfills that demand but sets a compelling precedent for how tech giants can lead the transition toward sustainable innovation.
Why This Deal Matters: Clean, Firm Power for a Greener Future
At its core, this partnership between Baseload Capital and Google isn't just about energy it's about energy transformation.
The agreement outlines the development of geothermal energy projects that will inject 10 megawatts (MW) of clean, firm energy into Taiwan’s grid. To put that into perspective, it doubles Taiwan’s current commercial geothermal capacity, making this initiative a game-changer for the region’s clean energy landscape.

The Key Highlights:

CPPA between Google and Baseload Capital for geothermal energy in Taiwan.
10 MW of clean energy to be added to Taiwan's grid by 2029.
Energy to power local data centers and office operations.
Equity investment by Google in Baseload Capital to help scale geothermal globally.
Geothermal Energy: The World's Most Underutilized Power Source
Unlike solar and wind power, which depend on fluctuating weather conditions, geothermal energy is available 24/7. This constant availability makes it the ideal foundation for a stable, decarbonized energy system especially for energy intensive industries like cloud computing and AI.
Baseload Capital's geothermal approach is centered on firm, clean power that can complement other renewables by providing base-load energy around the clock. This model de-risks geothermal investments, accelerates development timelines, and delivers reliable energy solutions in key global markets.

According to Alexander Helling, CEO of Baseload Capital,


“This agreement underscores the growing market recognition of–and demand for–24/7 clean, firm energy. Our partnership highlights how Baseload’s mission aligns with Google’s portfolio, creating powerful synergies for sustainable tech growth.”

Google's Sustainability Vision in Action

This move aligns seamlessly with Google’s ambitious goal to operate on carbon-free energy, everywhere, at all times. With this agreement, Google not only secures clean energy for its Taiwan operations but also sends a strong signal to the industry about the viability and importance of geothermal energy.

As Michael Terrell, Senior Director of Clean Energy and Carbon Reduction at Google, put it:

“Through this long-term partnership with Baseload, we aim to unlock geothermal potential, driving the clean energy development needed to help decarbonize our operations and supply chains in Taiwan and globally.”

This partnership goes beyond energy procurement. Google's equity investment in Baseload Capital reflects a deeper commitment to geothermal innovation, aiming to replicate and scale such projects worldwide.

Geothermal in Asia: A Sleeping Giant Awakens

Despite having immense geothermal potential, Asia has been slow to tap into this renewable energy source. This CPPA could be the catalyst needed to change that. With Taiwan now poised to double its geothermal output thanks to this partnership, other nations in the region may be inspired to follow suit.

Geothermal energy holds significant potential for countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan. The Google-Baseload partnership is a clear demonstration of how corporate leadership can unlock regional energy resources while achieving business sustainability goals.

What This Means for the Geothermal Industry

This partnership could mark the beginning of a new era for geothermal energy. The backing of a global technology leader like Google adds legitimacy and momentum to the sector. By forging this path, the collaboration between Baseload Capital and Google will likely spur more corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs), driving further investment into geothermal technology and infrastructure.

With Baseload Capital’s subsidiaries—Baseload Power companies—already experienced in building, commissioning, and operating geothermal heat and power plants, this is more than just a dream. It’s an operational reality unfolding at scale.

Final Thoughts: A Future Fueled by Earth’s Core

The Google and Baseload Capital partnership is a beacon of hope for the global energy transition. In a world increasingly powered by data, it’s fitting that the earth itself is becoming the battery for our digital age.

This CPPA doesn’t just power servers; it powers change, resilience, and sustainable growth. It shows that when tech giants and renewable innovators join forces, anything is possible even redefining how the world powers its future.

As we inch closer to a decade of geothermal, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in ensuring clean, reliable, and round-the-clock power is not just an aspiration, but a global reach

Related: Unlocking The potential for Geothermal in Data Centers

Source: Baseload Capital

Connect With Us: Alphaxioms

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