Ormat Technologies Expands U.S. Geothermal Portfolio with Acquisition of Blue Mountain Power Plant in Nevada

Ormat Technologies Acquires Blue Mountain Geothermal Power Plant for $88 Million

Strategic Expansion in the U.S. Geothermal Energy Market

In a significant move poised to strengthen its foothold in the U.S. renewable energy sector, Ormat Technologies Inc. has announced the acquisition of the Blue Mountain geothermal power plant located in Humboldt County, Nevada. This 20 MW facility, formerly owned by Cyrq Energy, was acquired for USD 88 million, marking a strategic milestone in Ormat's ongoing growth strategy.

This acquisition demonstrates Ormat’s commitment to bolstering its geothermal energy portfolio in the United States while contributing to the nation's clean energy goals. The Blue Mountain geothermal project not only adds capacity to Ormat’s existing generation assets but also sets the stage for further technological and operational enhancements.

Overview of the Blue Mountain Geothermal Power Plant

The Blue Mountain facility, originally commissioned by Cyrq Energy, is situated in a geothermal-rich region of northern Nevada. The plant currently has a capacity of 20 MW, with an interconnection capacity of 51 MW, providing room for potential expansions.

A key advantage of the acquisition is that the plant already utilizes Ormat’s proprietary geothermal technology, simplifying the integration process into Ormat’s existing operational framework. The power generated by the facility is sold under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NV Energy, which is set to expire at the end of 2029.

Ormat’s Investment Plan and Future Expansion Strategy

As part of the acquisition deal, Ormat intends to upgrade the Blue Mountain plant, increasing its output by 3.5 MW. This enhancement is expected to be accomplished through improvements in efficiency and operational optimization.

In a forward-thinking approach to hybrid renewable solutions, Ormat is also exploring the addition of a 13 MW solar facility at the site. This proposed solar plant would serve to support the geothermal system’s auxiliary loads, helping improve overall plant performance and sustainability. These initiatives are subject to regulatory approvals and updates to the current PPA terms.

A Strategic Fit for Ormat’s Growth Model

The acquisition aligns seamlessly with Ormat's long-term strategy to expand its U.S.-based geothermal portfolio and maintain its leadership in renewable energy technologies. Ormat’s CEO emphasized that acquiring and upgrading an existing geothermal site fits into the company’s approach of optimizing performance and increasing the value of assets over time.

The company's decision to invest in a geothermal project with existing infrastructure, interconnection rights, and a PPA agreement minimizes developmental risks and accelerates the path to higher returns. This acquisition not only increases Ormat’s capacity but also enhances its technological footprint across the U.S.

Industry Implications and Geothermal Sector Momentum

The geothermal energy sector in the U.S. is experiencing a resurgence of interest as government and private stakeholders prioritize low-emission and baseload power sources. The Blue Mountain acquisition is a testament to the growing confidence in geothermal technologies as reliable contributors to a clean energy future.

The deal also signals to other renewable energy developers and investors that geothermal energy remains a viable and scalable option. With the added advantage of solar hybridization, Ormat is setting a new standard for maximizing the productivity and sustainability of geothermal assets.

Ormat Technologies: A Leader in Geothermal Innovation

Ormat Technologies is globally recognized for its innovative approach to renewable power generation, specializing in geothermal and recovered energy generation (REG) solutions. The company has successfully deployed projects across the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Honduras, and Indonesia.

With a vertically integrated business model, Ormat designs, builds, owns, and operates geothermal plants, ensuring end-to-end quality control and operational excellence. The Blue Mountain plant acquisition highlights Ormat's ability to swiftly identify and leverage opportunities that align with its core mission.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

By increasing geothermal capacity in Nevada, the acquisition is expected to contribute to local and state clean energy targets. Geothermal energy is a sustainable resource that provides baseload power, offering a critical advantage over intermittent sources like solar and wind.

Additionally, upgrading and expanding the facility will create local employment opportunities, both in construction and long-term plant operations. The integration of solar energy further diversifies the state’s renewable energy mix, supporting a more resilient energy grid.

The Road Ahead: What This Means for Ormat and the Geothermal Sector

As the world moves toward a carbon-neutral future, geothermal energy stands out as a reliable and sustainable solution. Ormat’s acquisition of the Blue Mountain power plant is more than a business transaction—it is a reaffirmation of the company’s vision to be a global leader in clean energy.

Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate increased investments in hybrid renewable energy systems, enhanced by artificial intelligence and digital monitoring tools. Ormat’s innovative edge positions it to remain at the forefront of these developments.

Final Thoughts

The acquisition of the Blue Mountain geothermal facility in Nevada underscores Ormat Technologies’ strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to driving innovation in the clean energy landscape. As the energy transition accelerates, this move exemplifies how targeted investments and forward-looking enhancements can propel the geothermal industry into a new era of relevance and growth.

With regulatory approvals and expansion plans on the horizon, the eyes of the energy sector will be on Ormat Technologies as they unlock the full potential of the Blue Mountain project. The future of geothermal energy in the U.S. just got a significant boost and Ormat is leading the way.

Source: Ormat

Connect with us: Alphaxioms

Comments

INTERVIEW, Geretsried and Beyond: Eavor’s Blueprint for Reliable, Sustainable Energy

Robert Buluma : Alphaxioms Responses were provided by Jeanine Vany, Executive Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Eavor . Can you explain the key technological advancements in the latest iteration of the Eavor-Loop™ system? We have made a number of technological advancements at our project in Geretsried Germany . This includes innovation and learning resulting in dramatic improvements in our drilling performance and we’re proud to talk about our technology. For example, Eavor recently announced successful implementation of our in-house AMR (active magnetic ranging) tool which makes drilling more accurate and efficient. Eavor-Link™ AMR uses magnetic ranging while drilling to maintain constant alignment as it drills two wells at approximately 100 metres apart before they are intersected to create a continuous geothermal loop, which is then sealed with Eavor’s proprietary Rock-Pipe™ formula. With real-time data transmission between downhole sensors, the technology ensures tighter bo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Zanskar Strikes Geothermal Steam Again in Nevada

Zanskar Strikes Geothermal Steam Again: A New Era in Clean Energy By: Robert Zanskar's Geothermal and Minerals , a trailblazer in AI-native geothermal exploration, has achieved another significant milestone by uncovering a substantial geothermal reservoir in northern Nevada. This discovery marks a pivotal moment in the company's mission to revolutionize the geothermal energy sector. Innovative Approach to Geothermal Exploration Founded in 2019, Zanskar has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence with geothermal exploration. By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms and subsurface data, the company has been able to identify geothermal resources that were previously overlooked or deemed too risky. This approach has not only accelerated the discovery process but also significantly reduced the costs associated with geothermal development. The Northern Nevada Discovery The recent discovery in northern Nevada is particularly noteworthy. Utilizin...

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 ...

Mastering the Subsurface: Insights from a Geothermal Reservoir Engineer

Geothermal energy is often called the “quiet backbone” of the clean energy transition. To understand the science, challenges, and innovations driving this sector, we spoke with a seasoned geothermal reservoir engineer with experience spanning the Andes, Nevada, Utah, and volcanic fields worldwide. Here’s what they shared. By: Robert Buluma 1. What sparked your passion for geothermal reservoir engineering, and did you ever imagine yourself working in some of the world’s most challenging geothermal fields? My passion was sparked during my early career in the petroleum industry, specifically in reservoirs. I was fascinated by the subsurface—how fluids move, how heat and pressure interact but it wasn’t until I worked on projects in Peru that I realized geothermal offered the chance to apply my skills to clean energy. I never imagined I would later work on Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) projects in Nevada and Utah or Andean volcanic fields, where the geology is as unforgiving as it ...

Kenya’s Energy Crossroads: Gulf Energy Takes Over Tullow Oil in Turkana’s Geothermal-Rich Fields

Gulf Energy Takes Over Tullow Oil’s Turkana Fields – Oil Drilling to Overlap a Geothermal Hotspot By: Robert Buluma In a landmark energy shift for Kenya, British explorer Tullow Oil has officially exited the country after 14 years , selling its Turkana operations to Gulf Energy in a deal worth Ksh.16 billion (USD 120 million). The transition marks the end of Tullow's chapter in Kenya and the beginning of a new phase that could reshape not only oil production but geothermal exploration as well. The takeover grants Gulf Energy full control of the Turkana oil project , situated in a geologically active zone that also happens to host significant geothermal potential. Beneath Turkana’s arid landscapes, volcanic systems create natural heat reservoirs turning the region into a rare frontier where oil and geothermal energy converge. Tullow Oil first entered Kenya in 2010, striking the Ngamia-1 discovery well in 2012, which ignited hopes of the countr...

Łódź Geothermal Milestone: Innargi and Geofizyka Toruń Wrap Up Seismic Surveys"

Łódź Reaches a New Milestone in Poland’s Geothermal Journey By: Robert Buluma Poland’s renewable energy landscape has taken another significant step forward. In Łódź, seismic surveys aimed at mapping geothermal potential have officially been completed marking another chapter in the nation’s transition toward green energy. Earlier this summer, seismic trucks rolled into the heart of Łódź, covering 160 kilometers of subsurface across the city center and surrounding areas . In just four weeks finishing ahead of schedule the data collection phase was wrapped up. This work builds on similar surveys conducted earlier in Poznań, with both cities forming part of a larger geothermal exploration effort. Why This Matters Seismic surveys are more than just technical exercises. They provide vital insights into the geothermal resources beneath Poland’s largest urban areas , helping scientists and energy planners determine how renewable heat can be harnessed to power district heating systems...

Alphaxioms Geothermal News and Related Research Globally

Search This Blog