ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

The IADC Geothermal Drilling 2026 Conference & Exhibition is gearing up to be a pivotal event for the geothermal energy sector, scheduled for November 17-18, 2026, in Copenhagen, Denmark.  By: Robert Buluma This marks the second edition of this specialized conference by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), building on the success of the inaugural event held in Vienna in March 2025, which attracted over 250 attendees. Unlike traditional conferences that rely on abstract submissions, the IADC has innovated with a Call for Challenges approach. This unique format invites the geothermal drilling community—operators, service companies, engineers, and experts—to submit their most pressing, unresolved challenges. These submissions will directly influence the conference agenda, with the Program Committee selecting the toughest issues for expert-led discussions, case studies, and solution-oriented presentations. The goal? To deliver maximum practical value and ...

Revolutionizing Geothermal Drilling: How Advanced Fluids Conquered Croatia's Deep, Hot Wells 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 the stellar results....

Himachal Pradesh is taking bold steps to unlock its geothermal energy potential, positioning itself as a pioneer in India's renewable energy landscape.  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 diversifying its portfolio b...

Harnessing Earth's Fury: The Pause in Switzerland's Geothermal Ambitions 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 window into the high...

Beneath the Pavement: Manchester’s Hidden Geothermal Power Could Redefine Urban Energy 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 company specialising in gravity...

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...

New High-Temperature Downhole Fluid Sampler – A Major Step Forward in Geothermal Research and Sustainable Utilization 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 conventional geothermal monitoring...

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 ...

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...