Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from November 23, 2025

Just In

Global Geothermal Power Market Review 2026.

Global Geothermal Power: Policies, Funding, Wells, Strengths, Opportunities and Barriers Geothermal is moving into a broader investment cycle. In 2026, the story is no longer limited to volcanic power plants in a few classic markets; it now includes enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop designs, district heating, superhot rock, lithium from brines and industrial heat. Across the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, France and Italy, the sector is being shaped by a simple question: who is de-risking the first wells, and who is ready to finance the next ones?  United States: the next-generation testbed The United States has the broadest geothermal innovation ecosystem in this group, with a mature conventional base in the West and a fast-growing next-generation pipeline. The main policy signal in 2026 is the Department of Energy’s US$171.5 million funding opportunity for next-generation geothermal field-scale tests, exploration...

First Gen Renews 10-MW Geothermal Energy Supply to Unilever Philippines

First Gen and Unilever Philippines Renew Renewable Energy Partnership By:  Robert Buluma In a strong move toward sustainability, First Gen Corporation will continue to supply 10 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) to seven of Unilever Philippines’ facilities. This renewed partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The agreement covers Unilever’s production and distribution sites across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas . These facilities manufacture a wide array of products, from ice cream, sauces, and seasonings to beauty, personal care, and home care items. First Gen will source the power from the geothermal plants of its subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. (EDC) , located in Bicol, Tongonan in Leyte, and Palinpinon in Negros Oriental . “Since 2017, First Gen has been our partner in helping us reduce the carbon footprint of our manufacturing operations with a steady supply of renewable en...

SWU & Eavor Geothermal Project in Neu-Ulm/Senden Fully Cleared After Seismic Survey Success

Deep Geothermal Energy Breakthrough: Seismic Survey Results Clear Path for Sustainable Project in Neu-Ulm and Senden Published on November 28, 2025 By:  Robert Buluma SWU seismic survey confirms no major faults in Neu-Ulm/Senden. Deep geothermal project with Eavor GmbH cleared for full development – clean, 24/7 renewable heat ahead! In the quest for clean, reliable energy sources, deep geothermal energy stands out as a game-changer. Imagine tapping into the Earth's natural heat reservoir endless, emission-free power available 24/7, unaffected by weather whims or fossil fuel fluctuations. That's the promise of deep geothermal energy, and today, we're thrilled to share a major milestone: the seismic survey results for a pioneering project in Neu-Ulm and Senden, Germany. Conducted by SWU Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm GmbH , the findings confirm no major underground faults, greenlighting unrestricted progress. This isn't just good news for the regionit's a blueprint for sust...

Postdoc in Next-Gen Geothermal Energy Storage – University of Stavanger

Exciting Postdoc Opportunity: Pioneering Next-Gen Geothermal Energy Storage at the University of Stavanger Posted by  Robert Buluma on November 28, 2025 In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable energy, where the world races to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, groundbreaking research is more crucial than ever. If you're a passionate researcher with a PhD in hand and a drive to shape the future of clean energy, I've got an opportunity that might just be your next big leap. Today, I'm spotlighting a fantastic postdoctoral position at the University of Stavanger (UiS) in Norway – a hub for cutting-edge energy innovation. This isn't just any postdoc gig. It's part of the newly granted EU GeoSTAIN project, a major initiative focused on next-generation geothermal and thermal storage technologies. Think advanced solutions that harness the Earth's heat for reliable, eco-friendly energy production and storage. As global energy demands skyro...

PhD Research Opportunities in Economic Geology & Critical Metal Systems – Khalifa University (Fully-Funded Positions, Application Deadline: 2 March 2026)

Exciting Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities in Geosciences at Khalifa University (UAE) – Deadline March 2026 By:  Robert Buluma If you’re a geoscience enthusiast dreaming of pushing the boundaries of Earth science while being fully funded in one of the most dynamic research environments in the Middle East, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Prof. Hamed Gamaleldien and his research group at Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Abu Dhabi, UAE) have just announced four fully-funded PhD positions at the intersection of geology, geochemistry, tectonics, and critical metal exploration. Why Khalifa University? Located in Abu Dhabi, one of the safest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world   State-of-the-art analytical facilities (LA-ICP-MS, electron microprobe, clean labs, etc.)   Strong international collaborations and fieldwork opportunities in the Arabian Shield, East African Orogen, and beyond   Generous tax-free stipend, accommodatio...

Greenvale Energy Locks in $5M Farm-in with Sunrise Energy Metals to Unlock Millungera Geothermal Monster

Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) Unlocks Geothermal Potential with $5M Farm-in Deal from Sunrise Energy Metals By: Robert Buluma 26 November 2025 In a move that could prove highly strategic for both companies and the north-west Queensland region, Greenvale Energy Limited (ASX:GRV) has announced a binding Farm-in and future Joint Venture agreement with SRL Hot Rocks Pty Ltd, a 100%-owned subsidiary of ASX-listed Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX:SRL). The deal centres on Greenvale’s 100%-owned Millungera Basin Geothermal Project, located ~120 km east of Mount Isa in one of Australia’s hottest and most prospective geothermal provinces. Key Deal Terms SRL Hot Rocks will sole fund up to A$5 million in exploration and development expenditure. - Upon completing the $5M spend, SRL-HR will earn a 51% majority interest in the Millungera geothermal tenements, with a pathway to a full Joint Venture. Greenvale retains a meaningful free-carried interest through the earn-in phase, allowing it to preserve capita...

Mercury NZ Ngā Tamariki Expansion 2024–2026: New 46 MW Fifth Geothermal Unit to Power All Tauranga Homes

Mercury NZ Ngā Tamariki Expansion: Fifth Geothermal Unit to Deliver 46 MW of Clean Power by 2026 By: Robert Buluma Mercury Ngā Tamariki Fifth Unit: +46 MW Geothermal Power NZ Mercury NZ is building a fifth geothermal unit at Ngā Tamariki Power Station near Taupō. Adding 46 MW net (total 132 MW), enough to power all Tauranga homes or Christchurch residential load. Mercury NZ Launches Ngā Tamariki Expansion – New Zealand’s Next Major Renewable Energy Project In May 2024, Mercury NZ turned the first sod on one of the most significant geothermal developments in the country this decade: the Ngā Tamariki Expansion Project. This ambitious project will see a fifth generating unit added to the existing four-unit Ngā Tamariki Power Station, located 20 kilometres northeast of Taupō in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. When completed in 2026, the new unit will deliver an additional 46 MW of net renewable capacity, lifting the station’s total output from 86 MW to an impressive 13...

5 km Deep and Back Again: United Downs Overcomes Pump Failure to Put UK’s First Geothermal Power Plant Within Weeks of First Electrons

United Downs: Britain’s First Deep Geothermal Power Plant Edges Closer to the Finish Line After High-Stakes Pump Swap at 5.2 km Cornwall, UK – November 2025 By:  Robert Buluma Five kilometres beneath the rolling hills of Cornwall, in one of the deepest onshore wells ever drilled on British soil, a quiet but pivotal drama has just played out. After months of frustration, the failed downhole pump that threatened to derail the United Downs deep geothermal project – the UK’s first attempt to generate electricity from hot granite – has been pulled to surface. In its place, a new high-temperature Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) supplied by SLB (formerly Schlumberger) is being readied for deployment 1,400 metres below the rig floor, inside a 5,275-metre production well that still holds the record as the deepest onshore borehole in the United Kingdom. The man at the centre of the operation, Ryan Law, Founder and CEO of Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL ), has been unusually candid on Linke...

CTR’s American Critical Resources Listing: Transforming U.S. Geothermal Energy and Lithium Supply

CTR’s American Critical Resources Listing: A Game-Changer for Geothermal Energy and Critical Minerals in the U.S. By:  Robert Buluma Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) is leading U.S. geothermal energy innovation and critical mineral production. Discover how the planned public listing of American Critical Resources (ACR) strengthens energy security, lithium supply, and investment opportunities. Controlled Thermal Resources : Leading U.S. Geothermal Innovation Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) is at the forefront of geothermal energy development in the United States, particularly in California’s Salton Sea region. The company’s integrated approach combines renewable power generation with the extraction of critical minerals, including lithium, essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage technologies. CTR’s dual-impact model ensures that every megawatt of clean energy also contributes to securing vital minerals domestically, positioning the U.S. as a strategic player i...

Saint-Denis Powers Up with New Geothermal Plant at Fort de l’Est

A New Geothermal Power Plant Inaugurated at Fort de l’Est: Saint-Denis Expands Its Green Energy Network By:  Robert Buluma Saint-Denis has marked another major milestone in its clean energy journey with the inauguration of a brand-new geothermal power plant at Fort de l’Est on November 20, 2025. The facility, operated by Plaine Commune Énergie under the project management of SMIREC (Syndicat mixte des réseaux d'énergie calorifique) , is now set to deliver renewable, reliable, and low-carbon heating to thousands of local residents. The inauguration comes after two years of intensive work, reinforcing Saint-Denis’ position as a leading city in France’s transition toward sustainable energy systems. A Renewable, Local, and Emission-Free Energy Source The new geothermal plant taps directly into the natural heat stored beneath the ground. Using two geothermal wells drilled to a depth of 1,800 meters , the system extracts hot water from underground reservoirs. Instead of consuming th...

WalterMart Powers 47 Malls with 47 MW of Geothermal Energy in Major Clean Energy Push

WalterMart Taps 47 MW of Geothermal Power From First Gen — A Major Win for the Philippines’ Clean Energy Transition By:  Robert Buluma Image credit: First Gen Corporation  WalterMart, one of the Philippines’ most recognizable retail groups, has taken another bold step toward a low-carbon future. The company has expanded its clean energy partnership with First Gen Corporation, securing 47 megawatts of geothermal power to supply 47 WalterMart malls, retail outlets, and hotels across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon . Through this agreement, WalterMart reinforces its position as a retail leader embracing renewable energy at scale—sending a strong signal to other major chains that the shift toward green power is no longer optional, but strategic. A Retail Giant Powered by Geothermal Energy The 47-MW supply will come from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant , operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC) , First Gen’s geothermal subsidiary and one of th...

Strataphy Raises $6M to Revolutionize AI and Industrial Cooling with Geothermal Technology

Strataphy Raises $6 Million to Revolutionize AI & Industrial Cooling with Geothermal Innovation November 25, 2025 Author:  Robert Buluma In a major boost for sustainable infrastructure, Strataphy , a cutting-edge deep-tech company, has raised $6 million in seed funding to scale its revolutionary geothermal-based cooling technology across the Middle East and other high-temperature regions. The round was led by Outliers VC and Shorooq Partners , with additional participation from PlusVC . As artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers, and industrial facilities continue to expand, cooling has become one of the biggest bottlenecks , especially in hot climates. In the Middle East, cooling consumes nearly 50% of total electricity use and constitutes a massive $120 billion market , with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for $13 billion . PrimeLoop™: Cooling Powered by Deep Subsurface Energy At the heart of Strataphy’s breakthrough is PrimeLoop™ , a proprietary subsurface cooling...

Popular posts from this blog

Top 10 Critical Geothermal Energy Problems Costs Risks Seismicity

Top 10 Geothermal Problems: Why a 24/7 Resource Still Struggles to Scale Image credit : Fida, C.E.O Geosilica... This is what scaling looks like downhole in geothermal pipes Intelligence; Strategy for the Geothermal Decade Geothermal energy is often presented as the clean firm resource that can support a renewable electricity system around the clock. It does not depend on sunshine, it can operate through calm weather, and it can provide heat and power for decades. Kenya already relies heavily on geothermal generation , Iceland uses geothermal heat across its economy, and next generation developers are now signing large power contracts with technology companies seeking reliable carbon free electricity. Yet the global geothermal sector remains small compared with solar and wind, with installed electricity capacity still near 16 GW.  That gap is not caused by one obstacle. It is produced by a chain of interlocking problems involving geology, drilling, finance, permitting, public acce...

"US Geothermal Tax Credits 2026: What the IRA/45Q Changes Mean for Developers"

US Geothermal Tax Credits in 2026: What Is Actually Still Alive After OBBBA For an industry that spent more than a decade building financial models around a stable federal incentive structure, 2026 has been a year of whiplash. The 30% federal geothermal tax credit that developers and homeowners built forecasts around is gone in one form and still alive in another, and even the IRS’s own public guidance has been confusing enough to trigger uncertainty across the market. That confusion is not a minor clerical issue. It is shaping investment decisions, contractor sales pitches, homeowner timelines, and project finance assumptions right now. If you work in geothermal, the key question is no longer whether federal incentives exist, but which incentive applies, to which project type, and under what ownership structure. The law that changed the timeline To understand where things stand in 2026, you have to start with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which created a long runway for clean e...

Arverne secures Limagne geothermal lithium permit to boost supply

Arverne expands geothermal asset portfolio with new lithium exploration permit in Auvergne Arverne secures 442.7 km² PER “Bassin de Limagne” near Clermont-Ferrand French geothermal developer Arverne (Euronext: ARVEN) has been granted an exclusive research permit (Permis Exclusif de Recherches, PER) for lithium and related substances covering the “Bassin de Limagne” in Puy‑de‑Dôme, Auvergne. The five‑year permit, announced 3 September 2026, spans 442.68 km² and adds to Arverne’s growing national portfolio of PERs: the company now holds nine permits in France, three of which are focused on lithium. The award underscores Arverne’s strategy to combine geothermal heat production with geothermal lithium extraction — an integrated model the company is already deploying elsewhere in France. For the Auvergne permit, Arverne emphasizes that the Bassin de Limagne area overlaps with its existing PER for the Riom‑Clermont‑Métropole, where 3D exploration studies have previously evaluated the subsurf...

EIG Geothermal Catalyst Partners Launches Inaugural Power Planet Investment

EIG’s First Geothermal Bet Signals a New Phase for EGS Financing Image : Thematic image of a geothermal plant EIG Geothermal Catalyst Partners’ inaugural investment in Power Planet is a meaningful signal for the geothermal sector because it links development capital with a project that already has infrastructure, interconnection capacity, and subsurface data on its side . For an industry that often struggles to move from concept to bankable execution, that combination can shorten timelines and reduce risk. Why This Deal Matters The core story is not just that EIG made its first investment; it is that the fund is targeting the middle of the geothermal value chain, where projects need capital to clear technical and commercial hurdles . That matters because enhanced geothermal system, or EGS, projects can be highly promising but capital-intensive, especially before they reach a stage where traditional infrastructure investors feel comfortable stepping in . Power Planet’s Star Peak proje...

BLM Utah 2026 Geothermal Lease Sale Opens New Energy Opportunities

BLM Utah 2026 Geothermal Lease Sale: What It Means for U.S. Geothermal Development The Bureau of Land Management’s Utah 2026 Geothermal Lease Sale is a significant signal for the next phase of U.S. geothermal development. As federal agencies continue to prioritize renewable energy on public lands, this project highlights both the practical mechanics of geothermal leasing and the broader policy direction supporting domestic clean energy expansion. For developers, investors, land managers, and energy analysts, the sale offers an important case study in how geothermal projects move from planning into commercial opportunity. Geothermal energy has long been one of the most promising yet underutilized renewable resources in the United States. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal can provide steady baseload power regardless of weather or time of day. That makes it especially valuable in power systems that need reliability, grid stability, and long-duration decarbonization. A lease sale like the ...

Alphaxioms Interviews Rystad Energy: Geothermal's Inflection Point, Policy, and Drilling Breakthroughs

Geothermal at an Inflection Point: Why Policy, Conventional Resources, and Drilling Breakthroughs Will Define the Next Decade This interview was conducted by Robert Buluma on behalf of Alphaxioms,  responses delivered by  Alexandra Gerken Product manager, Geothermal solution at Rystad Energy   Introduction: The Strategic Crossroads for Geothermal Geothermal energy is entering a decisive phase. After decades of steady but regionally concentrated development, the sector now faces a confluence of technological innovation, policy ambition, and market demand that could either unlock global scale or confine geothermal to niche applications. Alexandra Gerken, Product Manager for Geothermal Solutions at  Rystad Energy , offers a clear-eyed assessment of where the industry stands, which technologies will drive near-term growth, and what must happen for geothermal to become a globally significant source of firm, low-carbon power. Her analysis emphasizes three pillars: the imme...

Serbia Advances Mišeluk Geothermal District Heating Project in Novi Sad

Serbia Advances Geothermal Drilling for the Mišeluk District Heating Plant in Novi Sad Serbia is moving forward with plans to develop a geothermal district heating system in Mišeluk, a rapidly urbanizing area of Novi Sad. The project is intended to place geothermal energy at the centre of a new low-carbon heating network, supported by solar power and natural gas backup. Exploratory drilling and construction of the heat distribution network are being carried out by JKP Novosadska toplana, Novi Sad’s public district heating utility. The initiative is supported through the United Nations Development Programme’s “Geothermal Energy in Serbia” programme, with financial backing from Slovakia.  The Mišeluk project is important not only because it could provide a new renewable heat source for Novi Sad, but also because it demonstrates how geothermal energy can be integrated into urban development from the earliest planning stages. Rather than retrofitting a geothermal system into an establi...

Chicago’s Geothermal-Powered High-Rise Could Redefine Sustainable Urban Development

Chicago’s Geothermal-Powered High-Rise Could Redefine Sustainable Urban Development Chicago is preparing to welcome one of its first all-electric, geothermal-powered residential high-rises—a 33-story tower at 410 N. Elizabeth Street in Fulton Market. The project could demonstrate how large urban buildings can reduce fossil-fuel dependence, lower operating costs and cut carbon emissions without sacrificing density, comfort or year-round reliability.  A New Model for Chicago High-Rise Construction The 410 N. Elizabeth Street development is being built by Tree Street Group in partnership with Magellan Development Group and  Mark Goodman & Associates . The first phase will deliver 383 apartments, including 77 designated affordable units, while a planned second tower would bring the overall development to more than 724 residences and 146 affordable homes.  The project is also expected to include ground-floor retail, public green space and a 30-foot-wide pedestrian walkway...

Geothermal Innovation, Superhot Systems, Social License, and the Future of Global Geothermal Energy

In this interview, Dr. Amel Barich, Founder & CEO of Geoscience Research and Communications (GRC) , shares insights into the future of geothermal energy, covering superhot geothermal systems, advanced drilling, international collaboration, social license to operate, developing-country opportunities, and the growing role of geothermal in integrated energy systems.  Image : Dr. Amel Barich Founder & CEO, Geoscience Research and Communications (GRC) Geoscientist | Geothermal R&D&I | Social License to Operate Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your current role in advancing geothermal innovation? I am a geoscientist and geothermal professional with a background spanning geothermal research and innovation, international collaboration, policy and science diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Over the past decade, I have worked from Iceland across major European and international geothermal initiatives, leading collaborative R...

North America Geothermal Energy Investment Opportunities, Companies, Resources, and Market Outlook

Investment Opportunities in North American Geothermal Energy North America is entering a new investment cycle in geothermal energy. The United States offers the region’s deepest commercial market and the largest advanced-geothermal pipeline; Mexico provides proven high-temperature volcanic resources and an established utility-scale industry; while Canada presents an earlier-stage opportunity centered on sedimentary-basin geothermal, direct-use heating, closed-loop systems, and oil-and-gas technology transfer. The investment case now extends well beyond conventional geothermal power plants. It includes enhanced geothermal systems, advanced closed-loop systems, geothermal heat pumps, district heating, industrial heat, geothermal storage, lithium extraction from geothermal brines, data-center power, and hybrid renewable-energy projects. In the United States, utilities had already procured or agreed to procure 1,007 MW of next-generation geothermal capacity through 12 power-purchase agreem...