The New Energy Frontier: Quaise Energy’s Superhot Geothermal Gambit in Oregon By Alphaxioms Editorial Team | September 4, 2026 In the high desert of Central Oregon, a project with implications far beyond Deschutes County is taking shape. Quaise Energy, now backed by a total of $280 million in funding, is advancing Project Obsidian, which it describes as the world’s first commercial superhot geothermal power plant . The company says the first phase is designed to deliver 50 MW by 2030, with a pathway toward 250 MW and ultimately more than 1 GW . Before the first megawatt reaches the grid, however, the project faces a local policy test: whether Deschutes County should grant a five-year property tax abatement under Oregon’s Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone Program. That decision is more than a routine incentive request. It is a referendum on how rural counties choose to support next-generation energy infrastructure and whether older incentive frameworks can accommodate a technolog...
Star Energy and Veolia Forge Geothermal Partnership to Decarbonise the UK’s Heating Sector
In a groundbreaking move toward the decarbonisation of the United Kingdom’s heating systems, Star Energy Group Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French infrastructure giant Veolia.
The partnership will focus on developing large-scale geothermal heating projects aimed at transforming the energy landscape across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.
This strategic collaboration is set to advance district heating schemes, reduce emissions, and support the UK’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Geothermal Energy: A Reliable, Home-Grown Heat Source
The partnership aligns with Star Energy’s diversification strategy, building on its extensive subsurface expertise to spearhead innovation in renewable geothermal energy. Veolia brings its global GreenUp strategy into play, aimed at reducing emissions and delivering environmentally sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Heating currently accounts for nearly one-third of the UK’s energy consumption and over 40% of its carbon emissions. Geothermal heating presents a cost-effective, grid-resilient, and long-term alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based systems. With technology already tested and deployed globally, the joint venture is poised for immediate scalability.
Project Highlights: Advanced Simulation and Seamless Integration
Development activities will include:
Hydrogeological studies
Seismic assessments
Advanced simulation modeling
Directional drilling technologies
These processes will ensure the efficient extraction of renewable geothermal heat for integration into existing heating networks with minimal infrastructure upgrades.
Leadership Insights and Market Impact
Ross Glover, CEO of Star Energy, expressed strong optimism:
"Star Energy is playing a key role in the UK's transition to sustainable and predictable heat provision. Geothermal has an important role to play in the energy transition by providing a home-grown, renewable heat option. We look forward to working with Veolia and growing our geothermal business to meet the decarbonisation needs of UK businesses and households."
As of 6th May 2025, Star Energy shares rose by 1.71%, signaling market confidence in the geothermal initiative.
Why This Matters
This collaboration is more than a commercial agreement—it's a statement that the UK energy market is pivoting toward sustainable, scalable solutions. By leveraging proven geothermal technologies and experienced partners like Veolia, Star Energy is carving a leadership role in the clean heat revolution.
Source:UK Financial News
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