ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

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 This interview was conducted by Robert Buluma, Founder of Alphaxioms. The responses were provided by Jerjes Porlles, Ph.D., Regional Technical & Business Development Manager – Latin America at Avasthi & Associates, Worldwide Energy Consulting. 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...

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...

CKW and Localnet AG are investigating geothermal energy potential in the Burgdorf region to provide continuous, climate-friendly heat and power. Discover how the project is progressing, what steps are planned, and what it could mean for sustainable energy in Switzerland. Why Geothermal Energy Matters CKW  and  Local Net AG have launched preliminary studies for a possible geothermal project in the Burgdorf region. The goal is to assess whether geothermal energy can be used to produce heat and electricity in a way that is climate-friendly and independent of weather conditions. Unlike solar, wind, and hydropower that depend on daily or seasonal patterns, geothermal can provide continuous, reliable energy an important factor in Switzerland’s push toward climate neutrality. Scope of the Initial Studies In the coming months,  CKW (a subsidiary of the Axpo Group) and  Local Net Ag will: Analyze publicly available underground and geological data. Evaluate the poten...

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...

Mount Erciyes: A Hidden Geothermal Treasure Beneath Cappadocia By: Robert Buluma Beneath the snow-capped slopes of Mount Erciyes , central Turkey’s highest peak, lies more than just volcanic history  it harbors the promise of geothermal energy . A new study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research has mapped the subsurface of Erciyes using three-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) imaging , revealing zones of high electrical conductivity that point to heat, fluids, and possible magma bodies deep underground. Cracking the Code Beneath the Mountain Researchers led by S.B. Tank used advanced MT techniques to peer beneath Erciyes and its surroundings. Their results uncovered conductivity anomalies   regions where electricity flows more easily due to the presence of saline fluids, hot water, or partially molten rock . For geothermal experts, these anomalies are gold. They act as subsurface fingerprints of geothermal reservoirs , highlighting where heat ...

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...

Medco Power  Kicks Off Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma Pasaman, West Sumatra – Indonesia’s transition to clean energy has reached another milestone as PT Medco Power Indonesia , through its subsidiary PT Medco Geothermal Sumatra,  officially began drilling its first geothermal exploration well in Bonjol, Pasaman Regency. The inaugural well, BNJ-1 , was spudded on 11 September 2025 in a ceremony attended by the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah ,  Medco Power President Director Eka Satria , local government leaders, traditional community representatives, and local stakeholders. A Step Toward 60 MW of Renewable Power This drilling marks the first of two planned wells, with a total estimated potential of 60 MW of clean electricity. The project, categorized as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects under the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL 2025–2034), is expected to be completed by the ...

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...

First Deep Geothermal Project in Lower Saxony About to Be Implemented – LBEG President Carsten Mühlenmeier: “Ahnsbeck Could Become a Flagship Project” By:  Robert Buluma Sven Krueger, Managing Director of Baker Hughes , shows LBEG President Carsten Mühlenmeier and SVO Managing Director Holger Schwenke (from left) the drilling rig in Ahnsbeck. “We are now here else in Lower Saxony as far along as we are here.” With these words, Carsten Mühlenmeier, President of the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG), made it clear during his visit to the drilling site near Ahnsbeck (Celle district) that just twelve kilometers east of the former ducal residence city, the first deep geothermal project in the state could soon become reality. Baker Hughes has encountered rock layers at around 2,500 meters depth that register temperatures of 113 degrees Celsius. In the future, this heat could be used, for example, to supply buildings with heating. “Up to now, we have issued 42 explorat...

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...

Szczecin Bets on Geothermal Energy: Tender Announced for First Exploration Well By:  Robert Buluma On September 23, 2025, the city of Szczecin officially launched a tender for the construction of its first geothermal exploration well at Dąbska Street. This marks a major milestone in the city’s energy transition, as Szczecin looks to tap into the natural heat beneath its soil as a modern and sustainable energy source. Backed by National Environmental Funding The investment is valued at 12.9 million PLN, with most of the financing secured from the  National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW). The project is part of the national program “Making Thermal Waters Available in Poland”, which supports municipalities in exploring and utilizing geothermal energy for heating and power generation. Thanks to this funding, Szczecin plans to drill the Szczecin GT-2 well to a depth of nearly 2,000 meters. At this depth, experts expect to encounter geothermal water...

Indonesia Powers Ahead:  PT SMI and  Ormat Join Forces to Finance Geothermal Exploration By:  Robert Buluma Jakarta, September 17, 2025   Indonesia has taken another decisive step toward achieving energy independence and sustainability. PT  Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) (PT SMI) , in partnership with PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia , has announced plans to explore potential financing for geothermal energy exploration in Wapsalit, Maluku and Toka Tindung, North Sulawesi . The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on the sidelines of the Indonesia International Geothermal Conference and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2025 at the Jakarta International Convention Center, witnessed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia . The MoU was formalized by Reynaldi Hermansjah , President Director of PT SMI, and Dion Murdiono , President Director of PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia , alongside senior executives  Sarana Mul...