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Showing posts from February 1, 2026

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Mijnwater Starts Terhoevenderweg Drilling for New 634-Meter Heat Source in Heerlen

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Mijnwater starts drilling for new heat source on Terhoevenderweg in Heerlen New source expands Parkstad’s district heating and cooling network Mijnwater has started drilling work for a new heat source at Terhoevenderweg in Heerlen, marking another important step in the expansion of its sustainable heating and cooling network in Parkstad. After a period of preparation, work began this week and is expected to continue for three to four weeks. Because the operation must be completed safely and efficiently, the drilling is taking place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project is part of Mijnwater’s broader effort to strengthen a low-carbon energy system for the region. The new source will tap warm groundwater in a former mine passage deep underground and feed that energy into the company’s network. For Heerlen and the surrounding area, this means further development of a district energy system that draws value from the region’s mining past while supporting a more sustainable energy ...
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The Billion-Dollar Gamble Beneath Our Feet: Why Geothermal Exploration Is the Industry’s Greatest Risk

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Exploration Risk: The Billion-Dollar Gamble Beneath Our Feet By:  Robert Buluma Image credit: Kane Watikson on LinkedIn  Geothermal energy is often described as the sleeping giant of the clean energy transition  constant, weather-independent, capable of delivering 24/7 baseload power without the intermittency that defines solar and wind. Yet despite this extraordinary promise, geothermal remains underdeveloped in most parts of the world. The reason is not lack of heat. It is not lack of demand. It is not even lack of technology and not even  FINANCE ,  Whilst many will throw that policy card, but Alphaxioms is already future proofing that .  The real barrier lies several kilometers beneath our feet  in uncertainty. Exploration risk is the defining challenge of geothermal energy. Unlike wind turbines that can measure wind speeds before construction, or solar farms that can predict output from sunlight data, geothermal developers must make multimillion-d...
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Unlocking Africa's Hidden Power: New Zealand and the AU Ignite the Geothermal Revolution

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
In a landmark diplomatic moment that signals brighter prospects for Africa's clean energy future,  H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, formally received the Letters of Credentials from H.E. Ms. Olivia Owen, the newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Ethiopia and the African Union, on February 4, 2026. This ceremony marks not just the beginning of a new ambassadorial tenure but a renewed surge of momentum in one of the most promising renewable energy partnerships on the continent: the AU–New Zealand geothermal cooperation. Amid Africa's urgent push to harness its vast geothermal resources—particularly along the East African Rift System—New Zealand's world-renowned expertise in geothermal development stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable, reliable, and affordable power. New Zealand, a global leader in geothermal energy, draws nearly 20% of its electricity from the Earth's natural heat. Its pioneering approaches to exploration...
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Melilla’s Hidden Fire: Teverra and Earth Energy Explorers Trigger Spain’s Next Geothermal Breakthrough

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Teverra and Earth Energy Explorers Ignite a Geothermal Revolution in Melilla: Spain’s Hidden Heat Awakens By:  Robert Buluma There are places on Earth where the future doesn’t arrive gently. It doesn’t knock politely. It doesn’t wait for permission. It erupts—quietly at first—through data, through drilling plans, through boardroom decisions that look ordinary to outsiders but feel like thunder to those who understand what is at stake. The Melilla Geothermal Project is one of those moments. A moment when a city perched on the edge of Europe, staring directly into the Mediterranean, begins to ask a question that could shake its energy destiny: What if the most powerful resource we need isn’t imported… but buried beneath us? This is the kind of question that rewrites history. And now, with Teverra partnering with Earth Energy Explorers (EEE), that question is no longer theoretical. It is becoming a plan—measured, engineered, and dangerously ambitious. Melilla is not just another Sp...
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KenGen Launches International Tender for Essential Geothermal Wellhead

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
KenGen Launches International Tender for Essential Geothermal Wellhead Equipment Amid Kenya's Green Energy Push In a significant move to bolster its geothermal energy infrastructure, Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has issued an open international tender for the supply of specialized geothermal wellhead equipment. The tender, referenced as KGN-GDD-025-2026, focuses on expanding gate valves and adaptor flanges—critical components used in geothermal wellheads to manage high-pressure steam and ensure safe, efficient energy extraction. Released in January 2026, this procurement opportunity underscores KenGen's ongoing commitment to expanding Kenya's renewable energy capacity, particularly in the geothermal sector, which already accounts for a substantial portion of the country's power generation. Tender Details and Requirements The tender invites sealed bids from eligible candidates worldwide, emphasizing an open competitive process to attract qualified ...
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Kenya’s Geothermal Surge: Menengai, Suswa, Courts, and Cheaper Power

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Kenya’s geothermal sector stands at a pivotal crossroads in 2026, blending rapid expansion, legal scrutiny, fresh exploration, and bold affordability measures.  By: Robert Buluma Image: Trucks are flagged for Suswa Geothermal Block As Africa’s geothermal leader, Kenya harnesses the Rift Valley’s heat to deliver reliable, clean baseload power that stabilizes the grid amid fluctuating hydro and costly thermal backups. Today, the narrative unfolds across Menengai’s maturing projects, Suswa’s exciting new frontier, courtroom challenges, and policy reforms aimed at cheaper electricity for all. Menengai: From Vision to Reality with Turbulence The Menengai field in Nakuru County exemplifies Kenya’s innovative de-risking model. The Geothermal Development Company (GDC ) drills high-risk wells and confirms steam resources, then invites private independent power producers (IPPs) to build plants and purchase steam. This approach accelerates investment by removing the biggest uncertainty. Three...
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Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Leads International Collaboration on Geothermal Reservoir Connectivity: A Leap Towards Sustainable Energy

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Leads International Collaboration on Geothermal Reservoir Connectivity: A Leap Towards Sustainable Energy Posted by Alphaxioms Geothermal News on January 31, 2026 Hello, geothermal enthusiasts! Welcome back to Alphaxioms Geothermal News, your go-to source for the latest developments in the world of underground energy. Today, we're diving into an exciting announcement from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC) that's set to bridge the gap quite literally,between shallow and deep geothermal reservoirs. On January 29, 2026, MGC revealed that it has signed an international joint research contract with New Zealand's Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), alongside partners from Kyushu University and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). This collaboration, funded by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), promises to unlock new insights into geothermal resource utilization. Let...
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Strandeiland’s Silent Breakthrough: SCAN’s Successful Geothermal Research Drilling in Amsterdam

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The SCAN Geothermal Research Well That Could Redraw Amsterdam’s Heat Future For most people walking across Strandeiland in Amsterdam today, nothing looks unusual. No drilling rig. No heavy machinery. No fenced-off work zone. No signs of an industrial operation that recently took place. And yet beneath that calm surface, something major has happened. A geothermal research drilling campaign, carried out under the SCAN programme, has been successfully completed , and it may quietly become one of the most important steps in determining whether the Amsterdam–Diemen–Almere region can unlock aardwarmte (geothermal heat) as a cornerstone of its clean heating future. The Rig is Gone , But the Data Remains The SCAN research drilling site on Strandeiland has now been fully dismantled, with the land returned to its original state. SCAN reports the operation as a success, praising the smooth collaboration with the Municipality of Amsterdam and other regional partners. This is the kind of geothermal...
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CTR Launches American Data Power: 600 MW Geothermal Complex to Fuel America’s AI & Hyperscale Data Boom at Salton Sea

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The recent announcement from  Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings Inc. (CTR) marks a significant step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the U.S. energy landscape:  providing reliable, clean, baseload power for the explosive growth of hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure. On January 29, 2026, CTR launched American Data Power, a new subsidiary dedicated to delivering a utility-scale 600 MW energy complex in California's Salton Sea Geothermal Field. This initiative advances the next phase of CTR's flagship Hell’s Kitchen development, positioning it as one of the largest baseload renewable energy projects in the country. Geothermal energy stands out in the renewable mix because it delivers continuous, 24/7 power unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions. The proposed complex targets a capacity factor exceeding 95%, ensuring high operational reliability. This makes it ideal for the constant, high-load demands of hyperscale data centers...
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Minnesota Revives Aquifer Geothermal: The LED of Heating

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
“‘The LED of heating’: cheap geothermal energy system makes US comeback”.  By:  Robert Buluma This story spotlights a groundbreaking project in Minnesota that's bringing back Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) nearly 45 years after pioneering U.S. experiments. In the frigid winters of Minnesota, where temperatures can drop below -10°C (-14°F), keeping homes warm traditionally relies on fossil fuels or inefficient electric systems. But a new development called The Heights in St. Paul is changing that by tapping into the stable temperatures deep underground. The Revival of a 1980s Idea Back in the late 1970s and 1980s, the U.S. Department of Energy funded tests beneath the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. Researchers drilled wells to store hot water in aquifers over 100 meters (about 330 feet) deep during summer, then extracted it for winter heating. The concept, known as seasonal thermal energy storage, aimed to cut primary energy use significantly. A 1991 federal...
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Kenya’s Geothermal Advantage: Pulling Carbon Out of the Sky

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Kenya’s Climate Breakthrough: Harnessing Geothermal Power to Pull Carbon Out of the Air This article was written by Robert Buluma 🌋 Why Kenya Is Uniquely Positioned for Carbon Removal Kenya is one of the world’s geothermal success stories. Unlike many nations that rely heavily on fossil fuels, Kenya generates a significant share of its electricity from geothermal resources, particularly along the Great Rift Valley. This region is rich in underground heat, volcanic rock formations, and clean baseload power. These conditions make Kenya ideal for carbon removal for three major reasons: 1.Abundant renewable energy – Carbon capture technologies require large amounts of energy. In Kenya, geothermal power provides constant, low-carbon electricity and heat. 2. Suitable geology – Volcanic basalt formations naturally lock carbon dioxide into solid rock through mineralization. 3.Strategic location – Kenya sits at the crossroads of African innovation, climate finance, and global carbon markets. T...
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Quaise Energy Raises $180 Million Series B to Advance Superhot Geothermal Power Plant

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Quaise Energy Raises $180 Million as Superhot Geothermal Moves Closer to Commercial Reality Quaise Energy has taken a major step toward commercializing superhot geothermal power with the final close of its Series B financing, bringing in $180 million in equity capital and lifting total funding to $280 million. The round includes a $35 million investment from Nabors Industries and a strategic framework agreement that strengthens the companies’ collaboration around drilling operations, technology integration, and commercial development. The announcement matters because it is not just another clean-energy funding headline. It is a signal that superhot geothermal is starting to attract the kind of capital, industrial partnerships, and technical confidence that are usually needed before a frontier energy technology can move from laboratory promise to real-world deployment. A Big Capital Milestone The final close of the Series B gives Quaise a stronger financial base to advance Project Obs...
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DMT Munich 3D Seismic Survey Unlocks Deep Geothermal Potential

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
DMT Launches Major 3D Seismic Survey in Greater Munich to Unlock Geothermal Potential DMT has begun one of the most ambitious geothermal exploration efforts in Europe: a large-scale 3D seismic survey across the Greater Munich area. The campaign is designed to create a detailed image of the deep subsurface and provide the geological foundation for future geothermal development in and around Munich. This matters because geothermal energy is only as strong as the quality of the subsurface data behind it. In a project like this, better information can reduce drilling risk, improve project planning, and help utilities and municipalities make smarter long-term investment decisions. Munich is already one of Germany’s most important geothermal regions, with an active district heating network and multiple operating boreholes. The new campaign aims to build on that base by identifying new opportunities and supporting the next stage of deep geothermal expansion. Why the Munich project matters The...
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İpeks Jeotermal to Drill 10 Geothermal Wells for Greenhouse Heating in Afyonkarahisar

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
İpeks Jeotermal to Drill 10 New Geothermal Wells for Greenhouse Heating in Afyonkarahisar İpeks Jeotermal Enerji Tarım Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. plans to drill 10 new geothermal production wells to increase the heating capacity of its greenhouse facility in Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye. The company also plans to add three reinjection wells as part of an investment valued at approximately 94.5 million Turkish lira. The project will be developed in the İsmail, Çakır and Sadıkbey village areas of Afyonkarahisar’s central district, within the company’s existing geothermal licence area, identified as IR:122 and ER:3193230. The planned expansion is expected to improve the reliability of geothermal heat supplies for the company’s greenhouse operations while supporting the more efficient and sustainable use of the region’s geothermal resources. Geothermal energy is increasingly being used in greenhouse agriculture because it can provide a stable source of heat throughout the year. Unlike solar and win...
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The "Heat-as-a-Service" (HaaS) Business Model: Geothermal Without the CAPEX Nightmare

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Heat-as-a-Service takes geothermal from a capital-intensive power project to a financeable, contract-based heat utility: instead of selling electrons, you sell stable, decarbonized heat under long-term contracts that match what industrial customers and investors actually want. Image: A thematic picture of a geothermal power plant By shifting risk and ownership away from end users and toward specialised developers and infrastructure capital, it can unlock geothermal in markets where electricity tariffs are low but demand for reliable, low-carbon process heat is strong. From kWh to “heat-as-a-service” Traditional geothermal projects earn revenue by selling electricity into a grid, often at wholesale prices that barely cover high up-front drilling and plant costs unless there is a feed-in tariff or premium.Many industrial users, however, do not need electricity; they need heat for processes like brewing, greenhouse climate control or pulp and paper production, and they currently buy that ...
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EGS Market Size and Investment Outlook

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Market Size and Investment Outlook to 2034 Enhanced Geothermal Systems are at an inflection point. For years, EGS sat in the “promising but pre‑commercial” category of clean technologies, constrained by drilling cost, subsurface risk, and limited policy attention. That picture is now changing as next‑generation geothermal developers raise larger rounds, sign serious offtake agreements, and move projects from concept to execution.   At the same time, global demand for firm, low‑carbon power is rising faster than conventional geothermal can supply. Thermal plants are retiring, grids need 24/7 clean electricity, and policymakers are discovering that weather‑dependent renewables cannot carry the entire load alone. EGS is emerging as one of the few technologies capable of delivering baseload clean power using a resource available almost everywhere: deep, hot rock. Current EGS Market Size – Small but Strategic In absolute terms, the EGS market is s...
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How AI-Powered Digital Twins Are Transforming Geothermal Reservoir Management

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal Reservoir Digital Twins: How AI Is Transforming Reservoir Management Image : Thematic image of a geothermal heat pump Artificial intelligence and digital twins are quietly rewriting the playbook for geothermal reservoir management. They turn scattered subsurface data into living, predictive models that help operators boost output, cut drilling risk, and extend the productive time. How Geothermal Digital Twins Are Making Reservoirs Smarter, Safer, and More Profitable For decades, geothermal development has been constrained by one brutal fact: you can’t see 3 km underground. You infer, you model, you hope—and sometimes you drill into a dry or underperforming reservoir. AI‑powered geothermal digital twins change that equation by continuously updating subsurface models with real‑time data, making the invisible reservoir behave like a transparent, responsive system. In practice, geothermal digital twins are dynamic software replicas of wells, reservoirs, and surface facilities th...
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Geothermal Salary Guide 2026 by Country: USA, Germany, UK, Canada, Netherlands and Global Pay Outlook

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal Salary Guide 2026 by Country Geothermal careers in 2026 are being shaped by a stronger global push for firm, low-carbon energy, rising demand for skilled drilling and subsurface talent, and the expansion of heating, cooling, and power applications. The market is no longer just about traditional geothermal power plants ; it is also being pulled forward by data center demand , heat decarbonization , and next-generation geothermal technologies such as enhanced geothermal systems . Those trends are creating new salary pressure in countries with mature energy sectors and strong technical labor markets. The most attractive salary markets in this group are the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands, but each country offers a different mix of base pay, taxes, benefits, and career growth. The right way to evaluate geothermal pay is to look at both nominal salary and real purchasing power, because a higher number on paper does not always mean better ta...
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Oil to Geothermal: How Drilling Crews Are Powering the Talent Pipeline

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal’s workforce story is increasingly a story about people who used to drill for oil now drilling for heat instead.  Image : A Thematic picture of an oil and gas worker  The same crews and engineers who perfected unconventional shale, deepwater wells and complex subsurface projects are being redeployed into enhanced geothermal systems, closed loop concepts and district heating, and the speed of that transition will determine how fast the project pipeline can actually be built. Below is a revised article without hyphens or commas in the prose. I will still use periods and headings so it stays readable. Geothermal Talent And The Oil To Geothermal Workforce Transition The most important geothermal technology of the next decade might not be new hardware or software. It might be people. Thousands of oilfield workers geoscientists and engineers already know how to drill deep complex wells and keep them under control. As enhanced geothermal systems and advanced concepts move f...
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Utah FORGE Extended Circulation Boosts Enhanced Geothermal Research

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Utah FORGE Begins Extended Circulation Utah FORGE has launched an extended circulation test at its Milford, Utah field site, marking a major step forward in the development of enhanced geothermal systems. The new phase is designed to examine how the reservoir behaves during continuous operation and to generate the long-term performance data needed to evaluate commercial viability. For a project focused on de-risking geothermal technology, this is one of the most important milestones yet. Introduction Utah FORGE, the world’s only full-scale field laboratory dedicated to testing and improving the technologies required for enhanced geothermal systems , has entered a new extended circulation phase at its site approximately 10 miles northeast of Milford, Utah. The test is expected to run for roughly four months, with the possibility of extending to 120 days depending on operational conditions. This stage matters because geothermal development is not only about finding heat underground; it i...
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Idle GDC Drilling Machines Put Sh15bn Investment Into Question

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Idle GDC drilling machines put Sh15bn investment into question Image: A GDC Owned Geothermal Rig Kenya’s geothermal ambitions have long been presented as one of the country’s strongest energy success stories. Yet a fresh audit report has exposed a costly weakness inside the Geothermal Development Company , where drilling rigs worth Sh15.93 billion have raised hard questions about value for money, asset management, and the future pace of geothermal expansion. The issue is not simply that machines are sitting idle. It is that these machines were bought for a strategic purpose: to drill wells, unlock steam, and help Kenya expand one of its cleanest and most reliable sources of power. When such expensive equipment remains unused for years, the problem goes far beyond maintenance. It points to a breakdown in planning, operations, oversight, and financial discipline. For a country that relies heavily on geothermal energy to stabilise electricity supply, the implications are serious. Every id...
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