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Showing posts from February 22, 2026

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

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 ...

Kalisz Goes Geothermal: Drilling 1,700 Meters for Thermal Pools, Heated Homes & Cleaner Air

Kalisz Embarks on Geothermal Revolution: 1,700-Meter Well to Unlock Network of Thermal Pools, Heated Apartment Blocks, and Homes By: Robert Buluma In the heart of Poland’s Greater Poland Voivodeship, the historic city of Kalisz is taking a bold leap into the renewable energy future. On February 25, 2026, city authorities signed a landmark contract to drill an exploratory geothermal well reaching 1,700 meters deep. The project, dubbed “Kalisz GT1,” aims to confirm the presence, quality, temperature, and productivity of thermal waters beneath the city — potentially transforming Kalisz into a hub for low-carbon district heating and a network of therapeutic thermal pools. The headline-grabbing Polish announcement — “Sieć basenów termalnych, ogrzane bloki i domy. Miasto drąży odwiert na 1700 metrów” — perfectly captures the ambition: a geothermal-powered network of thermal baths, heated residential blocks, and family homes. If successful, this could slash heating costs, improve air quality,...

Jollibee Group Switches Philippine Commissaries to 99% Renewable Energy – Powered by Geothermal from First Gen!

The Jollibee Group , the powerhouse behind the iconic fast-food chain loved across the Philippines and beyond, has taken a massive step toward sustainability.  By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move announced in early February 2026, the company has shifted 99% of the electricity needs for its Philippine commissaries to renewable geothermal power supplied by First Gen Corporation. This isn't just a small tweak,it's a major leap in reducing environmental impact while keeping the joy flowing through millions of meals daily. What Are Commissaries and Why Do They Matter? Commissaries are the large-scale food production and distribution hubs where Jollibee prepares ingredients, sauces, patties, and other essentials before sending them to thousands of stores. These facilities consume substantial energy for refrigeration, cooking, processing, and logistics—making them prime targets for greener upgrades. By going renewable here, Jollibee tackles emissions at the source of its supply...

Dutch-Ukrainian Collaboration Launches Pre-Feasibility Study: Shallow Geothermal District Heating Takes Off in Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine – Powered by RVO & Embassy Support!

Ukraine's Push for Sustainable Heating: The Starokostiantyniv Shallow Geothermal District Heating Project By: Robert Buluma In the heart of Central Ukraine, the town of Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region is stepping into a promising future for clean, reliable heating. A new collaborative initiative, funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine, has officially launched. Titled "Shallow Geothermal District Heating in Ukraine," this pre-feasibility study and regulatory recommendations project aims to integrate innovative shallow geothermal technology into the town's district heating system. This development comes at a critical time for Ukraine. The ongoing war has severely disrupted traditional energy supplies, making energy security and resilience top priorities. District heating, which serves a large portion of urban populations through centralized systems, remains heavily reliant...

Strataphy and Saudi Tabreed Forge Groundbreaking Partnership: Pioneering Geothermal Cooling for Saudi Arabia's AI and Digital Infrastructure Boom

The recent announcement from Stratatphy marks a significant step in sustainable infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia. At the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Private Sector Forum held February 9-10, 2026, in Riyadh, Strataphy signed a strategic agreement with Saudi Tabreed District Cooling Company, a key player backed by the PIF. By:  Robert Buluma Image:Strataphy and Saudi Tabreed Forge Groundbreaking Partnership: Pioneering Geothermal Cooling for Saudi Arabia's AI and Digital Infrastructure Boom This partnership integrates Strataphy's innovative PrimeLoop geothermal cooling technology with Saudi Tabreed's established district cooling platforms. The goal is to address the escalating cooling demands driven by Saudi Arabia's massive buildup of AI and digital infrastructure, including over 3 GW of planned data center capacity.  The Cooling Crisis in the Age of AI Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 and beyond includes transforming the Kingdom into a global hub fo...

Safran & Dalkia Pioneer France's First Industrial Deep Geothermal Plant in Île-de-France

Pioneering Industrial Deep Geothermal in Île-de-France: Safran Aircraft Engines and Dalkia Achieve Major Milestone at Villaroche Site By: Robert Buluma In a major step forward for industrial decarbonization in France, Safran Aircraft Engines — a global leader in aeronautical propulsion — has partnered with Dalkia (an EDF subsidiary) to develop the first deep geothermal station dedicated to industry in the Île-de-France region. Announced in a press release on February 18, 2026, the project at Safran's Villaroche industrial site in Seine-et-Marne has reached a key milestone: the producer well (puits producteur) has been successfully drilled to a depth of 1,650 meters, tapping into naturally heated water at around 75°C. Drilling for the injector well is now underway, with completion expected in April 2026 and full commissioning of the geothermal plant targeted for autumn 2026. This innovative installation combines deep geothermal energy, high-efficiency heat pumps, and modernized ...

BGS Seeks Your Input: Shaping the Future of Geothermal Subsurface Data for Shallow Heat Pumps Across Great Britain

UK's British Geological Survey Seeks Your Input: Shaping the Future of Shallow Geothermal Data Products for Net Zero Heating By:  Robert Buluma The British Geological Survey (BGS) , in collaboration with Energy Systems Catapult (ESC), is gearing up to revolutionize how we access and use subsurface data for shallow geothermal energy—and they're actively asking for stakeholder feedback right now! Published on 24 February 2026, this exciting initiative aims to turn BGS's vast geological expertise and datasets into practical, user-friendly products that accelerate the rollout of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and other shallow geothermal solutions across Great Britain. With the UK's ambitious Net Zero targets demanding low-carbon heating alternatives, this could be a game-changer for buildings, heat networks, and decarbonization efforts. Why This Project Matters Shallow geothermal technologies, like closed-loop GSHPs, tap into the stable temperatures just below ground le...

Gradient Geothermal Teams Up with GEOT.Ai: Geothermal to Power Next-Gen AI Factories in LA Basin

The recent announcement from Gradient Geothermal  marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of renewable energy and artificial intelligence infrastructure.  By:  Robert Buluma On February 25, 2026, the Denver-based geothermal company signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Muir Global Holdings, LLC, the incubator of GEOT.Ai, to develop behind-the-meter geothermal power solutions specifically tailored for AI factories. The initial focus is a proposed pilot project in the Los Angeles Basin, southern California, aiming to deliver up to 5 megawatts of clean, reliable geothermal energy to power high-density AI compute clusters. This partnership is more than just another energy deal—it's a blueprint for reimagining how we power the AI revolution while addressing escalating concerns over grid strain, carbon emissions, and energy security. Why AI Factories Need Dedicated, Reliable PowerThe explosive growth of artificial intelligence has created unprecedented en...

Herrenknecht AG Wins 2026 European Geothermal Innovation Award with Groundbreaking Urban Vibro Truck

Congratulations to HERRENKNECHT AG – The 2026 EGIA Award Winner! By:  Robert Buluma Herrenknecht AG has been named the winner of the 2026 European Geothermal Innovation Award (EGIA), also known as the Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award. The award was presented by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC ) during a special ceremony at the GeoTHERM Congress & Expo in Offenburg, Germany, on February 26, 2026. The EGIA recognizes companies making exceptional contributions to the advancement of geothermal energy in Europe through innovative products, scientific research, or project initiatives. Entries are evaluated based on originality, innovation, reliability, emission reductions, and improvements in energy output. This year, EGEC received 16 strong applications, making the selection process highly competitive. A jury of eight experts carefully reviewed the submissions and selected five finalists before crowning Herrenknecht AG as the winner. EGEC Preside...

DOE Drops $171.5 Million Bomb on Next-Gen Geothermal: America's Energy Future Just Got Hotter

The U.S. Department of Energy just dropped a massive boost for geothermal energy—and it's game-changing for the future of clean, reliable power! By:  Robert Buluma DOE Unleashes $171.5 Million to Supercharge Next-Generation Geothermal in the U.S. On February 25, 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a funding opportunity worth up to $171.5 million through its Office of Geothermal. This isn't small change—it's aimed at accelerating next-generation geothermal technologies that could unlock massive potential for affordable, 24/7 baseload energy across America. Why does this matter? The U.S. already leads globally with about 4 gigawatts of installed geothermal capacity, but DOE studies show we could realistically scale to at least 300 gigawatts by 2050. That's enough to power millions of homes and businesses with clean, domestic energy that doesn't rely on weather or time of day. This funding directly supports President Trump's Executive Order on Unleashing...

Cornwall Awakens the Earth's Power: The UK's First Geothermal Plant Lights Up – And Starts Making Green Lithium

UK's Geothermal Dawn: Cornwall Lights Up the Future of Constant Clean Power and Green Lithium Too By: Robert Buluma Image: Cornwall becomes the heartbeat of UK Geothermal,  Great time to be alive On February 26, 2026, a quiet but historic moment unfolded in the granite heartland of Cornwall. After years of vision, engineering grit, and one of the deepest holes ever sunk into British rock, Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL ) flipped the switch. The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Plant came online – the first time the United Kingdom has ever generated grid electricity directly from the Earth’s natural heat. This isn’t another wind farm that stops when the breeze dies, or a solar array that goes dark at dusk. This is baseload renewable power: steady, weather-independent, always available. Up to 3 MW of constant electricity is now flowing  enough to supply roughly 10,000 British homes  sold under a long-term agreement to Octopus Energy. At the same moment, the same geotherm...

INL Expert Trevor Atkinson Reveals Geothermal's Path to Scalability and Breakthroughs

Exclusive Insights from INL's Trevor Atkinson: The Future of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) , Critical Minerals , and Why Geothermal Lags Behind Wind & Solar Published on Alphaxioms Geothermal Insghts   Date: [February 26, 2026]   By Robert Buluma In a detailed email interview, Trevor Atkinson, Research Scientist in Geothermal Energy and Subsurface Systems at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) , shares candid perspectives on the field's priorities, breakthroughs, barriers, and potential. His work focuses on subsurface characterization, reactive-transport modeling, AI optimization, and integrating geothermal with critical mineral recovery. 1. What is INL’s most important geothermal research priority today, and why?   Advancing Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS ) through physics-based modeling and AI-driven optimization. My research focuses on subsurface characterization and reactive-transport modeling, which are essential for predicting fluid–rock interactions and...

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EGS Market Size and Investment Outlook

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...

Plum IV and CTR’s Geothermal Critical Minerals Deal Takes Shape

Plum Acquisition Corp. IV and  Controlled Thermal Resources Outline a Large-Scale Geothermal and Critical Minerals Platform Plum Acquisition Corp. IV (“Plum IV”) and Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings Inc. (“CTR”) are moving toward a proposed business combination that would create a public company focused on one of the most ambitious geothermal and critical minerals developments in the United States. The combined entity is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the pro forma ticker CTRH, reflecting a platform built around clean baseload power, lithium recovery, and broader critical minerals production. The investor presentation dated August 2026 frames the transaction around CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen project in Imperial County, California, which is presented as a strategically positioned resource opportunity with energy, minerals, infrastructure, and permitting advantages.   At the center of the presentation is a clear message: this is not just a power project, and it is not j...

Iceland Drilling, Pertamina Strengthen Geothermal Super Hot Rock Collaboration

Iceland Drilling and Pertamina Drilling Strengthen Geothermal Collaboration: A New Platform for Super Hot Rock Development The global geothermal industry is entering a period in which drilling capability, resource knowledge and international collaboration are becoming increasingly important. As countries look for reliable, low-carbon sources of electricity and heat, geothermal energy is moving beyond conventional developments toward more technically challenging resources, including deeper reservoirs and Super Hot Rock (SHR). A new collaboration between Iceland Drilling Company Ltd and Pertamina Drilling Services Indonesia (PDSI) highlights this transition. In August 2026, Iceland Drilling and Pertamina Drilling Services Indonesia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in geothermal drilling services. The agreement brings together two organisations from countries with exceptionally strong geothermal credentials: Iceland, with decade...

SECI Invites Geothermal Agencies for Resource Assessment and Power Development in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

SECI’s Geothermal EOI for Andaman & Nicobar Islands: What It Means for India’s Next Frontier in Clean Power The Solar Energy Corporation of India’s EOI for geothermal resource assessment and development in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a notable signal that India is widening its renewable-energy playbook beyond solar and wind. For developers, consultants, and investors, this tender is less about a single procurement and more about a strategic entry point into one of India’s most technically intriguing clean-energy frontiers. Why This EOI Matters SECI has published Tender ID SECI000268 under reference SECI/C&P/EOI/17/0003/26-27 for the “Identification and Capability Assessment of Agencies for Geothermal Resource Assessment, Exploration, Development, and Utilization of Geothermal Power Plant in UT of A&N Islands.” The document indicates that the initiative is meant to identify agencies with capability across geothermal resource assessment, exploration, development, and...

If You Had $1 Billion for Geothermal, Where Should You Invest?

If You Had $1 Billion for Geothermal in 2026, Where Wouldn’t You Invest? Image: A thematic image of a drilling rig on a geothermal, well pad Geothermal is becoming one of the most interesting corners of clean energy, but that does not mean every market deserves your capital. In 2026, the smartest geothermal investors are not asking where the hottest rocks are, they are asking where geology, contracts, policy, and execution line up well enough to justify real money. The real investment test If you had $1 billion to deploy in geothermal, you would not start with hype. You would start with bankability, because geothermal is a business of drilled wells, long timelines, heavy upfront costs, and a very unforgiving path from theory to cash flow. A project can look excellent on a resource map and still underperform badly if permitting drags, community consent is weak, tariffs are mispriced, or the grid cannot absorb the power. That is why this article focuses on where you would not put capita...

AFK Geothermie launches €65M dublette drilling to heat 1,200 homes

AFK Geothermie launches second dublette drilling in Aschheim , pathway to 1,200 geothermal heat connections Summary AFK Geothermie has begun preparing the drill site for a second deep geothermal dublette near Aschheim. Drilling is scheduled to start in November at depths up to 2,600 meters. The project aims to supply up to 1,200 residential connections in Aschheim, Feldkirchen and Kirchheim with district heating from January 2028, expanding an established field first tapped in 2008. Total investment is around €65 million, combining public grants, municipal contributions, company equity and long-term loans. Why this matters now The AFK project is a practical example of how municipal-scale geothermal systems move from demonstration to scale-up. As European policymakers push for decarbonized heating, replicable, well-financed geothermal projects that integrate with existing district heating networks are becoming critical. The Aschheim dublette highlights common technical, financial and ...

Deep Geothermal Drilling Preparation for Renewable District Heating

Deep Drilling Preparation for Geothermal Energy: The Erdwärme Breisgau Project The Erdwärme Breisgau geothermal project has received approval for its next phase, allowing Badenova and Herrenknecht to begin preparing a deep-drilling site near Hartheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The partners plan to invest approximately €60 million to explore a geothermal reservoir located around 3,200 metres underground and develop a heating plant for regional district heating.  Why Deep Drilling Matters for Geothermal Heating Deep geothermal energy can provide a stable, renewable source of heat for district-heating networks. Unlike solar and wind power, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal heating can operate continuously when the underground reservoir and surface infrastructure are technically and economically viable. The Erdwärme Breisgau project is designed to investigate a hot-water reservoir beneath the Hartheim area. The plan involves drilling two directional wells: one producti...

Geothermal heat pumps for universities: campus decarbonization, industrial heat pumps, and state grant funding

Massachusetts’ $23M Push: How Geothermal, Industrial Heat Pumps and Efficiency Grants Can Transform Campus Decarbonization Image: MIT, Cambridge  Massachusetts’ recent award of approximately $23 million in decarbonization implementation grants to public universities and state facilities is more than a set of individual projects — it’s a practical blueprint for how public-sector institutions can accelerate fossil-fuel retirement, reduce operating costs, and scale up low-carbon heating technologies. The grant round, made through the Department of Energy Resources’ Leading by Example (LBE) Decarbonization Implementation Grant (DIG) program, funds a range of measures from campus-scale geothermal systems to industrial heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, building envelope upgrades, and rooftop solar. Together the projects demonstrate how targeted public investments can unlock larger capital programs, yield sizeable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and create replicable models for universi...

Geothermal Salary Guide 2026 by Country: USA, Germany, UK, Canada, Netherlands and Global Pay Outlook

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...

Geothermal Drilling Cost Per Well: U.S. and Global Benchmarks by Country

Geothermal Drilling Cost Per Well: U.S. and Global Benchmarks by Country Geothermal drilling cost per well varies widely because no two projects face the same depth, geology, reservoir temperature, or drilling risk. In the United States and other major geothermal markets, costs can range from modest amounts for shallow residential boreholes to several million dollars for deep power-generation wells. A single “average” price is therefore misleading. The most useful way to understand geothermal drilling cost is to look at project type, depth, and country together, then compare those figures against the conditions that drive them. What A Geothermal Well Includes A geothermal well is more than a hole in the ground. It is a highly engineered underground asset that must be drilled, cased, cemented, tested, and often completed under demanding temperature and pressure conditions. For residential systems, the well or borehole is part of a ground-source heat pump loop field. For power projects, ...