Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from March 22, 2026

Just In

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Römerberg 10 Comes Online: Germany’s Latest Onshore Oil Milestone Born from a Geothermal Surprise

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The Römerberg 10 Well: A Major Milestone in Germany's Domestic Oil Production at Speyer By:  Robert Buluma In the heart of Speyer, a historic city in southwestern Germany along the Rhine River, a significant step forward has been made in securing local energy resources. On February 9, 2026, Neptune Energy , in partnership with Palatina GeoCon GmbH & Co. KG, announced the successful drilling, testing, and imminent production startup of the Römerberg 10 well. This development marks the eleventh well in the Römerberg-Speyer oil field and underscores ongoing investment in responsible, onshore hydrocarbon extraction. The Römerberg field has an intriguing origin story. Discovered accidentally in 2003 during a geothermal exploration effort aimed at tapping into hot underground waters for renewable energy, the drill instead struck oil at depths around 2,000–2,500 meters beneath the city. What began as a "happy accident" has evolved into a productive oil field operated safely ...
Post a Comment
Read More »

128°C Deep – The Quiet Geothermal Revolution That Will Heat an Entire German Town by 2029

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
The small town of Bad Bevensen, nestled in the serene Lüneburger Heide region of northern Germany, has long been known for its healing thermal springs and tranquil spa culture.  By:  Robert Buluma But beneath its peaceful surface lies a powerful, silent force: the Earth's own heat, waiting to be tapped. Now, in 2026, a bold geothermal project is reigniting hope for a sustainable, carbon-free future—and it's set to transform the town's energy landscape by 2029. Imagine a future where homes, hospitals, the historic Kurhaus, and the Rathaus are warmed not by imported gas or fluctuating fossil fuels, but by clean, reliable heat drawn from over three kilometers underground. Temperatures reaching 128°C at around 3,300 meters make this possible. This isn't science fiction—it's the ambitious vision now being driven by Berlin-based NULLCOZWEI GmbH , a company stepping in to rescue and accelerate a project that once seemed stalled. From Setback to Second Chance The story bega...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Unlocking the Heat Beneath the Humber: Geothermal’s Rise in Britain’s Industrial Heartland

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Unlocking the Earth's Heat: The Promise of Geothermal Energy in the UK's Humber Region By:  Robert Buluma Geothermal energy, harnessed from the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, represents one of the most reliable and sustainable renewable resources available today. Unlike solar or wind power, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal provides a constant, baseload energy supply that operates 24/7. This makes it particularly valuable for industrial applications, where consistent heat and power are essential. In the context of global efforts to combat climate change, geothermal energy stands out for its ability to significantly reduce carbon emissions without the intermittency issues plaguing other renewables. At its core, geothermal energy involves tapping into hot water or steam reservoirs deep underground. These resources can be used directly for heating or to generate electricity through turbines. Geothermal systems can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% c...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Switzerland’s Geothermal Pioneer Riehen Seeks CHF 15.2 Million to Double Down on Clean Heat

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Riehen Advances Geothermal Future: Loan Application for Major District Heating Expansion By: In the picturesque border municipality of Riehen, near Basel, Switzerland, a significant step forward in sustainable energy is underway. On March 5, 2026, the Government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt and the Municipality of Riehen jointly submitted a request to their respective parliaments: approve a conditionally repayable loan totaling CHF 15.2 million (approximately USD 19.4 million at current rates) to support the expansion of the local geothermal district heating network. Each entity—canton and municipality—proposes to provide CHF 7.6 million to the  Wärmeverbund Riehen AG (WVR) , the operator of the system. This funding targets the ambitious “geo2riehen” project, which aims to scale up one of Switzerland’s oldest and most successful deep geothermal heating operations. Riehen has been a geothermal pioneer since 1994, when its first plant began delivering renewable heat extracted from de...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Geothermal Lithium Extraction Reshaping Global Clean Energy Supply Chains

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Unlocking Lithium from Heat: A New Era for Geothermal Value Creation By: Robert Buluma In a world increasingly defined by the race for clean energy and resilient supply chains, a quiet revolution is emerging beneath the Earth’s surface—where heat meets minerals, and power meets possibility. A groundbreaking initiative led by , backed by the , is setting the stage for a transformative shift in how we perceive geothermal energy—not just as a source of electricity, but as a gateway to critical mineral recovery. At the center of this bold move is , operating within the rich geothermal landscapes of . Together, they are pioneering a pilot project at the that could redefine the economics of geothermal energy worldwide. The Convergence of Energy and Minerals For decades, geothermal energy has been celebrated for its reliability, sustainability, and baseload capabilities. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal power runs 24/7, tapping into the Earth's natural heat reservoirs. But beneath this st...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Whakatāne Geothermal Exploration: University of Auckland's $3M Project

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Unlocking the Heat Beneath Whakatāne: University of Auckland’s $3 Million Geothermal Exploration Project Signals a New Era for Renewable Energy in New Zealand Posted on| March 24, 2026 By  Robert Buluma On March 17, 2026, the New Zealand Government made a significant announcement that could reshape the energy landscape of the eastern Bay of Plenty. Alongside the launch of the country’s first national geothermal strategy, From the Ground Up – A Strategy to Unlock New Zealand’s Geothermal Potential, the University of Auckland’s Geothermal Institute secured $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for the Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme. This initiative marks an important early step in assessing whether reliable geothermal heat resources lie beneath parts of Whakatāne, a region long associated with volcanic activity, cultural significance, and a strong desire for sustainable economic development. What Is the Whakatāne Geothermal Project? The pr...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Expro Drives Europe’s Lithium-Geothermal Energy Breakthrough

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Expro Powers Europe’s Energy Future with Landmark Lionheart Geothermal Project A New Era for Geothermal and Lithium Extraction in Europe By:  Robert Buluma Europe’s clean energy transition has reached a defining moment. In a bold and strategic move, has secured a critical role in one of the continent’s most ambitious renewable energy initiatives—the Lionheart Project in Germany. Developed by in collaboration with , the project is not just another geothermal development—it is a convergence of energy innovation, resource security, and climate ambition. At the heart of this development lies a dual-purpose vision: generating geothermal energy while extracting lithium, a critical mineral essential for batteries powering electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. As global demand for lithium surges, projects like Lionheart are becoming increasingly vital—not only for energy independence but also for economic resilience. The appointment of Expro to deliver well testing...
Post a Comment
Read More »

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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,...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »

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...
Post a Comment
Read More »