CTR and Baker Hughes Ignite a 500 MW Geothermal Revolution to Power America’s AI Future”

CTR and Baker Hughes Unite for a 500 MW Geothermal Power Breakthrough: Fueling America’s AI and Data Center Growth

The race to power the digital economy has just taken a bold step forward. Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) and Baker Hughes have entered into definitive agreements to develop 500 megawatts (MW) of baseload geothermal power at the Hell’s Kitchen project in Imperial County, California. This world-scale development is set to become a cornerstone of U.S. energy security delivering clean, reliable, around-the-clock energy to power hyperscale data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

A New Era of Geothermal Energy

America’s digital economy is expanding at an unprecedented rate, driven by explosive growth in AI applications and hyperscale data centers. Unlike intermittent renewables such as solar and wind, geothermal power operates at capacity factors above 98 percent, making it uniquely suited for industries that demand uninterrupted energy.

CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen project promises just that—500 MW of dependable baseload power, positioning California as a leader in AI-ready renewable infrastructure.

Baker Hughes’ Role: Technology Meets Execution

With over 40 years of geothermal experience, Baker Hughes brings a wealth of technical expertise to this collaboration. The company has already completed geological assessments, well modeling, and reservoir simulations to confirm the project’s 30-year operational potential.

As part of the agreement, Baker Hughes will deploy:

High-temperature drilling technologies

Advanced power systems

Digital field services

Fully integrated subsurface-to-surface solutions

Maria Claudia Borras, Chief Growth & Experience Officer at Baker Hughes, emphasized:

“Together with CTR's project leadership, we aim to deliver one of the largest baseload renewable energy projects in the United States, providing the dependable lower-carbon energy that hyperscale operators demand.”

Building More Than Power: Jobs, Resilience, and Innovation

Beyond powering AI and data centers, the project will:

Create thousands of American jobs

Strengthen U.S. energy resilience

Support Lithium Valley’s vision for combining clean energy with critical mineral production

Rod Colwell, CEO of CTR, highlighted the inflection point America faces:

“Hyperscale data center and AI demands are surging, but they cannot run on intermittent renewables. The Hell’s Kitchen project will set new benchmarks for reliable and resilient power infrastructure.”

Governor Gavin Newsom echoed this vision, stating that California’s clean energy expansion is “creating thousands of good paying jobs and lifting up communities” while positioning the state at the forefront of global energy innovation.

Why This Matters

This collaboration is not just about energy it’s about redefining how America powers its digital future. With surging AI and data needs, the Hell’s Kitchen project will ensure that growth does not come at the expense of sustainability. By harnessing geothermal’s 24/7 capabilities, CTR and Baker Hughes are delivering power that’s as reliable as it is renewable.

Stay Updated

This is only the beginning. The Hell’s Kitchen project is staged for scalable development, with future expansions anticipated. To follow the journey and receive updates, subscribe to CTR’s official newsletter.

✨ Final Thought:

The Hell’s Kitchen geothermal project represents a historic pivot point not just for California, but for the world. As AI and data centers redefine our economy, geothermal power may well become the silent engine driving America’s technological revolution.

Source: CTR,Reuters

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