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Showing posts from January 18, 2026

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Next-Gen Geothermal Funding 2026: VCs, Banks, Government Capital

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Who Is Really Funding Next-Gen Geothermal in 2026? Next-generation geothermal has moved beyond laboratory research into a capital-intensive commercialization phase. In 2026, the most important financing is no longer coming from one investor category: venture capital funds are financing drilling, subsurface modelling and hardware; strategic energy companies are providing equipment, project access and market credibility; banks are beginning to lend against contracted projects; and governments are absorbing exploration and first-of-a-kind technology risk. The strongest financing activity is concentrated in the United States and Canada, but Europe is becoming increasingly important through Germany-based deployment, European Union grants, UK innovation support, and strategic participation from European energy companies. The central investment question is changing from “Can this technology work?” to “Can the developer deliver repeatable, financeable projects at commercial cost?” The 2026 fun...
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Newpark's TerraTherm™ Powers Croatia's Deepest Geothermal Well: Drilling to 4,280 m at 198°C

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Revolutionizing Geothermal Drilling: How Advanced Fluids Conquered Croatia's Deep, Hot Wells By: Robert Buluma Welcome back to Alphaxioms Geothermal News, your go-to source for the latest in renewable energy innovations from around the globe. Today, we're diving deep—literally—into a groundbreaking case study from Croatia that's pushing the boundaries of geothermal exploration. In a region where renewable energy is gaining serious momentum, Newpark Drilling Fluids has just wrapped up a project that's not only a technical triumph but also a beacon for sustainable drilling practices. Leveraging their TerraTherm ™ geothermal drilling fluid technology, they enabled safe and efficient drilling in a high-temperature well exceeding 4,000 meters. This isn't just another drill job; it's a story of innovation overcoming extreme challenges in Eastern Europe's budding geothermal sector. Let's break it down step by step, from the hurdles to the heroic solutions and t...
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Himachal Pradesh Pioneers Geothermal Revolution to Become India's First Green Energy State by 2026

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Himachal Pradesh is taking bold steps to unlock its geothermal energy potential, positioning itself as a pioneer in India's renewable energy landscape.  By:  Robert Buluma Image: Himachal Pradesh Geothermal Hotsprings Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently announced during a high-level review meeting with senior officers that the state is actively pursuing the harnessing of geothermal resources. This move forms a critical part of the government's long-term strategy to combat climate change, achieve energy security, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The announcement, made on January 22, 2026, in Shimla, underscores Himachal Pradesh's ambition to become India's first Green Energy State by 2026. The target is clear: meet over 90% of the state's energy needs—currently around 13,000 million units annually—through renewable sources. While the state has long excelled in hydropower, generating substantial clean power from its rivers, it is now diversifyi...
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Earth’s Heat on Hold: Why Switzerland Just Paused a Major Geothermal Dream

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Harnessing Earth's Fury: The Pause in Switzerland's Geothermal Ambitions By: Robert Buluma In the heart of Switzerland, where alpine peaks pierce the sky and pristine lakes mirror the eternal snow, a quiet revolution was brewing beneath the surface. Imagine tapping into the planet's own fiery core to power homes and heat communities—clean, renewable, and seemingly infinite. That's the allure of geothermal energy. But in the quaint region of Inwil and Perlen in Kanton Luzern, this dream has hit a snag. The Zentralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG (CKW), a key player in Switzerland's energy landscape, has slammed the brakes on a promising geothermal project. Announced in 2023, the initiative promised to deliver electricity to 4,000 households and heating to 6,500 more, all from the depths of the Earth. Yet, as of January 21, 2026, it's on indefinite pause. Why? The underground didn't cooperate as hoped. This story isn't just about a stalled drill; it's a w...
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Manchester’s Hidden Geothermal Power Could Redefine Urban Energy

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Beneath the Pavement: Manchester’s Hidden Geothermal Power Could Redefine Urban Energy By:  Robert Buluma What if the future of clean energy isn’t offshore, on rooftops, or in remote landscapes—but buried silently beneath the concrete of our cities? In Manchester, scientists have just delivered a powerful reminder that the ground beneath our feet may be one of the UK’s most underappreciated energy assets. Beneath a modest car park at the University of Manchester lies a geothermal resource capable of supplying clean, continuous energy on a scale that could power tens of thousands of homes. This is not a speculative vision or a distant ambition. It is the result of rigorous science, modern geophysical imaging, and a rethinking of how cities can participate in the energy transition. And it could change everything.  A Breakthrough Hidden in Plain Sight The discovery emerged from a knowledge exchange project between the University of Manchester and Metatek, a remote sensing compan...
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Polish Geothermal Energy: Hot Waters Over 100°C Discovered in Podhale

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Breakthrough in Polish Geothermal Energy: Hot Waters Over 100°C Discovered in Podhale By:  Robert Buluma Image:  Polish Geothermal Energy: Hot Waters Over 100°C Discovered in Podhale In late December 2025, Poland's Chief National Geologist, Professor Krzysztof Galos, announced a significant discovery in the Podhale region: access to geothermal waters exceeding 100°C. This revelation came from the Bańska PGP-4 borehole in Szaflary, marking a potential turning point for renewable energy in the country. The drilling rig at the Bańska PGP-4 site in Szaflary, Podhale , a symbol of Poland's ambitious push into deeper geothermal resources. The Unique Geology of Podhale The Podhale basin, nestled between the Tatra Mountains and the Pieniny Klippen Belt, has long been recognized as Poland's premier geothermal hotspot. Its geological structure is unparalleled in the country: a reservoir formed by Paleogene sandstone-shale formations up to 3 km thick, overlying Mesozoic carbonate rock...
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ISOR New High-Temperature Downhole Fluid Sampler 

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
New High-Temperature Downhole Fluid Sampler – A Major Step Forward in Geothermal Research and Sustainable Utilization By:  Robert Buluma January 17, 2026 Alphaxioms Geothermal News Iceland’s geothermal resources have long been the cornerstone of the country’s energy independence, providing nearly 100% of space heating and a substantial share of electricity production from renewable sources. Since its establishment, the Icelandic Institute of Natural History’s geothermal division — today known as ÍSOR (Iceland GeoSurvey) — has placed strong emphasis on research, innovation, and the development of cost-effective technologies to meet the challenges of geothermal utilization. The latest milestone in this continuous effort is the successful development and field deployment of a high-temperature downhole fluid sampler, capable of collecting authentic reservoir fluid samples at extreme temperatures. What is the High-Temperature Downhole Fluid Sampler and Why Does It Matter? In convention...
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Mercury NZ Delivers Fifth-Generation Unit at Ngā Tamariki – Strengthening Clean Energy Supply

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Advancements in Geothermal Energy: New Zealand's Ngā Tamariki Expansion Leads the Way By:  Robert Buluma Image:  Mercury NZ Delivers Fifth-Generation Unit at Ngā Tamariki – Strengthening Clean Energy Supply Geothermal energy, harnessed from the Earth's internal heat, represents one of the most reliable and sustainable sources of renewable power available today. Unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal provides consistent baseload electricity, making it a cornerstone for energy security in regions with suitable geological features. As the world grapples with climate change and the need to transition from fossil fuels, geothermal is gaining renewed attention. In 2026, global investments in geothermal are surging, with projections indicating annual funding could reach nearly $9 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by advancements in next-generation technologies, such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which expand accessibility beyond traditional ...
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Quaise Energy’s 2026 Breakthrough: Superhot Geothermal Meets Millimeter Wave Drilling

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Quaise Energy's Bold Vision for 2026: Pioneering Superhot Geothermal and Millimeter Wave Drilling By: Robert Buluma Image: Quaise Energy’s 2026 Breakthrough: Superhot Geothermal Meets Millimeter Wave Drilling In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy, few announcements capture the imagination quite like those promising to unlock vast, untapped sources of clean power. On a recent post shared by Carlos Araque, CEO of Quaise Energy, the company declared 2026 as a transformative year—one that could redefine how humanity accesses the Earth's heat for electricity generation. Araque's message highlights groundbreaking progress in two key areas: superhot geothermal energy and millimeter wave drilling. These innovations aim to deliver always-on, zero-carbon power at unprecedented scales, potentially revolutionizing global energy security and sustainability.  What is Superhot Geothermal? Traditional geothermal energy taps into hot water or steam reservoirs near the Earth...
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Ormat Technologies Co-Leads $97M Series B in Sage Geosystems

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Ormat Technologies Co-Leads $97M Series B in Sage Geosystems: A Defining Moment for Next-Generation Geothermal By:  Robert Buluma Image:  Ormat Technologies Co-Leads $97M Series B in Sage Geosystems The global geothermal sector has just crossed another strategic inflection point. On January 21, 2026, Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ORA),one of the world’s most experienced and vertically integrated geothermal companies,announced a $25 million equity investment as co-lead in an over $97 million Series B funding round for Sage Geosystems Inc., a fast-rising pioneer in next-generation geothermal and energy storage technology. The funding round was co-led by Ormat Technologies and Carbon Direct Capital ,signaling not just financial confidence, but deep industrial and climate-aligned convictionn Sage’s technological pathway. More importantly, this investment is tightly coupled with an existing commercial agreement between Ormat and Sage, marking a rare alignment of capital, technolo...
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GDC Opens Restricted Tender for Menengai Wellbore Scale Services

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
GDC Opens Restricted Tender for Menengai Wellbore Scale Services Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company Limited (GDC) has announced a new restricted tender targeting one of the most technically important challenges in geothermal field operations: scale formation and its removal from geothermal wells and formations . The procurement notice, posted by GDC on 29 September 2026 , seeks qualified firms to provide specialized downhole wellbore and formation-scale removal and scaling mitigation services for geothermal wells and reservoirs at the Menengai Geothermal Field . The planned service period is three years , creating an opportunity for specialized geothermal service companies with experience in downhole intervention, scale management, wellbore remediation and formation-scale mitigation. According to the notice, interested and qualified firms must submit their full company details and contacts together with their Electronic Government Procurement System (eGP) registration number t...
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Maren Maras plans 99-MW geothermal power development in Aydin, Türkiye

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Maren Maras plans 99-MW geothermal power development in Aydin, Türkiye Maren Maras is planning a 99-MW geothermal development in Aydın’s Germencik district, consisting of three 33-MW plants with binary-cycle technology, based on regulatory filings and the Final EIA report. The project is expected to generate about 730 GWh annually and requires an estimated TRY 1.82 billion investment. Maren Maras Plans 99-MW Geothermal Power Development in Aydın, Türkiye Maren Maras Elektrik Üretim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., part of Kipaş Holding, has advanced plans for a major geothermal expansion in Türkiye’s Aydın province. According to regulatory documents and reporting on the company’s environmental filings, the project will add 99 MW of installed geothermal capacity in the Germencik district through three separate 33-MW power plants.  The project adds another large-scale development to one of Türkiye’s most active geothermal regions. Aydın has long been a core province for geothermal power in th...
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Quaise Energy Secures DOE Funding for Superhot Geothermal Plant

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Quaise Energy Wins DOE Support for Project Obsidian as Superhot Geothermal Moves Toward Commercial Scale Quaise Energy’s selection for up to $25 million in U.S. Department of Energy support is a meaningful milestone for superhot geothermal power, especially because it is tied to Project Obsidian, the company’s flagship commercial-scale Enhanced Geothermal System in Central Oregon. The award strengthens the case that superhot geothermal is shifting from laboratory promise toward field-tested infrastructure, with the first well triplet designed to validate a path to more than 25 megawatts of gross electric power and future expansion potential much larger than that.  DOE backs superhot geothermal The U.S. Department of Energy selected Quaise under its Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation funding opportunity, part of a broader $99 million geothermal push announced this week .According to DOE, the selected projects are mean...
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Green Therma deploys closed-loop geothermal demonstration in Groß Schönebeck, Germany

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Green Therma deploys demonstration of closed-loop geothermal in Groß Schönebeck, Germany Green Therma has deployed its closed-loop geothermal demonstration at the Groß Schönebeck research site in Germany, and the project is now moving from installation into operation. The system is intended to test the company’s Heat4Ever/DualVac concept under real geothermal conditions at depths of more than 3 kilometers.  Green Therma deploys closed-loop geothermal demonstration in Groß Schönebeck, Germany Green Therma has reached an important milestone in the development of closed-loop geothermal technology with the deployment of its demonstration project at the Groß Schönebeck research site in Germany. The company says the system is now circulating water through a single-well closed-loop configuration, bringing geothermal heat to the surface from more than 3 kilometers underground.  The project is being carried out at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences’ geothermal research facility,...
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Fervo Energy’s Cape Station Reaches Commercial Operation: A Milestone for Enhanced Geothermal

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Fervo Energy’s Cape Station Reaches Commercial Operation: What the Milestone Means for Next‑Generation Geothermal On October 1, 2026, Fervo Energy announced that its first GeoBlock at Cape Station in Beaver County, Utah, reached contractual commercial operation , achieving 33 MW net and beginning revenue under a power purchase agreement (PPA). The declaration , reached one day ahead of the contractual commercial operation date after grid synchronization on September 24 , marks an important moment for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) : a greenfield, first‑of‑a‑kind development moving from construction into contracted revenue. This article explains the technical approach Fervo used, evaluates performance and schedule claims, examines cost and scalability implications, places the project in the competitive market context, and summarizes key risks investors and industry watchers should track. What Fervo built: GeoBlocks and the Cape Station design Fervo’s project architecture centers on ...
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France Geothermal Energy 2026: Heating, Power, Policy, Investment Growth

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
France's geothermal sector is at a crossroads. The country is Europe's undisputed leader in deep geothermal district heating, with the Paris Basin hosting the world's largest concentration of deep geothermal systems.  Yet geothermal still supplies only 1% of France's final heat consumption, and the Court of Auditors has warned that current ambitions are "unrealistic" without structural reform. ⚡ Deep Geothermal (Power Generation): Marginal Output, Major Potential Untapped France's geothermal power generation remains almost negligible. As of 2026, only two plants produce electricity: the Bouillante plant in Guadeloupe (15.5 MW) and the Soultz-sous-Forêt EGS pilot in Alsace (1.7 MW).  Total geothermal electricity production capacity was approximately 17.17 MW in 2023, forecast to reach just 19.47 MW by 2028. The Bouillante plant is set to double its production with a third unit scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026, making it an exemplary model for ...
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Sonoma Clean Power secures $20M in state funding to advance California geothermal initiative

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Sonoma Clean Power Secures $20 Million in State Funding to Advance California Geothermal Initiative Sonoma Clean Power has secured $20 million in state support for its California geothermal initiative, a milestone that strengthens the case for next-generation geothermal development in the state. The funding is aimed at reducing early-stage exploration risk, with private-sector partners expected to match the public investment, bringing the total pool to $40 million.   A major step for GeoZone The announcement builds on Sonoma Clean Power’s GeoZone strategy, which targets 600 megawatts of next-generation geothermal energy across Sonoma and Mendocino counties over the next decade. The initiative is designed to secure affordable, reliable clean power for local customers while advancing California’s broader clean-energy goals.  The latest funding breakthrough gives the project more momentum at a critical stage. In geothermal development, exploratory drilling is often one of th...
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Global Geothermal Policy Outlook for 2027 Across Key Markets

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Global Geothermal and Energy Policies for 2027: A Future Outlook Introduction The next phase of global geothermal development will be shaped not only by geology and technology, but increasingly by national energy policy . Governments are now treating geothermal as more than a niche source of heat or power . They are beginning to see it as a practical option for firm low-carbon electricity, district heating, industrial heat, and energy security. That shift matters because geothermal projects are unusually sensitive to policy design. Exploration is capital intensive, drilling is expensive, subsurface risk is real, and project timelines can stretch over years before revenue begins. In other words, geothermal is not just an engineering challenge. It is also a finance, regulation, and infrastructure challenge. Looking toward 2027, five countries offer a useful benchmark for where geothermal policy may be heading: the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, and France. Each countr...
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El Salvador Opens Tender for Integrated Drilling Services for Eight Chinameca Geothermal Wells

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
El Salvador Advances Tender for Integrated Drilling Services for Eight Geothermal Wells in Chinameca El Salvador is preparing a major geothermal drilling campaign at the Chinameca geothermal field, where state-owned developer LaGeo plans to procure integrated drilling services for up to eight deep geothermal wells. The tender forms part of a wider programme designed to confirm the field’s underground resource, secure steam for a new power plant and expand the country’s renewable electricity generation capacity. The planned contract is expected to cover drilling services, materials, accessories, casing and pipes, together with complementary services required to complete the wells. LaGeo has already initiated early market engagement to obtain feedback from potential contractors before launching the formal procurement process.  The Chinameca campaign is supported through the World Bank-financed El Salvador Geothermal Energy for Sustainable and Inclusive Development Project. The broade...
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North Rhine-Westphalia Deep Geothermal Energy District Heating Expansion

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
North Rhine-Westphalia Pushes Geothermal Into Mainstream Heat Supply With New Deep Drilling Projects North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is accelerating its push to make geothermal energy a major component of the region’s future heat supply, with the state backing exploration, drilling, feasibility studies and financial mechanisms designed to reduce the risks associated with developing underground heat resources. The latest developments were presented at the 21st Geothermal Conference in Bochum, hosted by NRW.Energy4Climate and the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG (Fraunhofer IEG). The conference highlighted a growing transition in NRW geothermal development: geothermal energy is moving beyond research and individual demonstration projects toward practical deployment in municipal heating, district heating networks, residential developments and industrial applications. The state has already financed measurements and drilling activities across s...
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