The Retrofit Revolution: How GreenFire Energy Is Unlocking Geothermal Power Without Drilling a Single New Well By: Robert Buluma While much of the geothermal energy sector has been focused on breakthrough drilling techniques—deeper wells, hotter reservoirs, and complex engineered systems—a quieter revolution has been unfolding in the background. Instead of chasing entirely new subsurface frontiers, one company has chosen a radically simpler question: What if the answer was already in the ground? GreenFire Energy is advancing a retrofit-first geothermal strategy that targets one of the most overlooked opportunities in the global energy transition: existing wells that are underperforming, depleted, or completely abandoned. Rather than drilling new holes into the Earth, the company is reusing the infrastructure that already exists—turning stranded assets into continuous sources of clean, baseload electricity. This approach is not just technically elegant. It may also be one of ...
Alaska’s Ambitious Step into Geothermal Energy: Augustine Volcano Lease Sale in Focus By: Robert Buluma Image credit: Bain Graham Nestled in the heart of southern Cook Inlet, the imposing Augustine Volcano stands as both a challenge and an opportunity. Rising 4,133 feet, this cone-shaped volcanic island has piqued the interest of geothermal enthusiasts, policymakers, and energy companies alike. In an exciting development, Alaska’s Division of Oil and Gas is preparing for a geothermal lease sale on Augustine’s north side—a bold move to harness the earth’s untapped power. This initiative, sparked by interest from three companies eager to explore geothermal resources, could mark a turning point in Alaska's energy landscape. With a best interest finding issued on January 10, 2025, state officials have paved the way for what could become a groundbreaking exploration effort. As spokesperson Sean Clifton hinted, a lease sale announcement may arrive as early as this spring, opening up 55,7...