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Graz Revives Landmark Geothermal Project as OMV Targets Exploratory Drilling in 2026

Graz Revives Ambitious Geothermal Heating Project as OMV Eyes Exploratory Drilling in 2026 By: Robert Buluma   The Austrian city of Graz is once again positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s geothermal transition after new agreements were successfully renegotiated between the City of Graz, OMV , and Energie Steiermark for a large-scale geothermal heating project that had unexpectedly stalled in late 2025. The revived initiative, centered on supplying renewable heat to Graz’s district heating network, now appears back on track with exploratory drilling potentially beginning before the end of 2026. The development marks a critical moment not only for Austria’s geothermal ambitions but also for Europe’s broader struggle to reduce dependence on fossil fuels amid volatile energy markets, geopolitical instability, and rising heating costs. If successful, the Graz geothermal project could become one of the continent’s most important urban geothermal heating systems, demonstrati...
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Exergy Unveils the Gemini Turbine: A Giant Leap for Large-Scale Geothermal Power Generation

Exergy’s  Gemini Turbine: Redefining the Future of Large-Scale Geothermal Power

By: Robert Buluma


In a bold leap forward for geothermal innovation, Exergy International has once again raised the bar with the unveiling of its groundbreaking Gemini Turbine — a next-generation powerhouse that delivers up to 60 MWe on a single shaft.

Announced in Olgiate Olona, Italy, the Gemini marks a monumental evolution in Exergy’s proprietary Radial Outflow Turbine (ROT) technology, setting a new benchmark for efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in large-scale geothermal power generation.

The Dual-Engine Revolution

At the core of Gemini’s innovation is a reimagined turbine architecture that merges two turbines into one high-capacity unit. Its dual-inlet design allows working fluid to enter symmetrically from both sides, expanding radially outward through a central rotor disk equipped with mirrored rotor stages. This unique configuration achieves unmatched mechanical balance, reduced vibration, and superior reliability.

In an era where developers seek to maximize performance while minimizing complexity, the Gemini’s design delivers what many in the industry have long pursued — a compact, high-output turbine with minimal maintenance and operational overhead.

Engineering Excellence Meets Efficiency

Exergy’s engineering team has achieved a feat that many thought impossible. The Gemini Turbine boasts an isentropic efficiency exceeding 90%, rivaling multi-turbine systems while simplifying plant layout. Capable of managing volumetric flows above 50 m³/s, this turbine offers a combination of power and precision rarely seen in geothermal systems.

Among its standout benefits:

  • Up to 30% reduction in plant costs compared to conventional systems
  • Simplified civil works and smaller footprint for enhanced sustainability
  • Fast return on investment (ROI) through optimized project economics
  • Proven reliability backed by Exergy’s 550+ MWe global ROT installations

A New Chapter for Next-Generation Geothermal Systems

Designed for the new frontier of Enhanced and Advanced Geothermal Systems (EGS and AGS), Gemini is perfectly positioned to unlock geothermal potential in regions previously considered inaccessible. With global investment in next-gen geothermal technologies reaching nearly US$2 billion in 2024 (Wood Mackenzie), the Gemini arrives at a time of accelerating momentum toward geothermal expansion.

According to the International Energy Agency, global geothermal capacity could soar to 800 GW by 2050, supplying around 8% of the world’s electricity. Exergy’s Gemini turbine is ready to play a central role in that transformation.

Voices Behind the Breakthrough

“The Gemini turbine marks a major milestone in Exergy’s technological evolution,” said Luca Pozzoni, Deputy CEO of Exergy International. “With Gemini, we deliver higher performance, lower costs, and a reduced environmental footprint — all vital for the future of large-scale geothermal power.”

“This project started as an idea within our turbine department,” added Luca Vanini, Manager of Exergy’s Turbine Department. “Seeing it come to life reflects our innovation culture and relentless pursuit of practical, high-performance solutions.”

Shaping the Future of Clean Energy

From its Italian engineering hub, Exergy continues to redefine what’s possible in binary geothermal technology. The Gemini turbine isn’t just another advancement — it’s a symbol of the geothermal renaissance. It represents what happens when creativity, technology, and sustainability converge to empower the world’s transition toward clean, renewable energy.


Related: Exergy ORC to Revamp Ribeira Grande Geothermal Power Plant in the Azores

About Exergy International
Exergy International Srl is a global leader in clean energy technologies specializing in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems and Radial Outflow Turbine design. With nearly 600 MWe in its portfolio and the second-largest geothermal binary fleet worldwide, Exergy continues to drive the frontier of geothermal power innovation.


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