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"Ethiopia geothermal restart: Tulu Moye and Corbetti renegotiate multimillion-dollar deals"

Ethiopia Renegotiates Key Deals to Restart Multimillion‑Dollar Geothermal Projects: Tulu Moye and Corbetti Move Toward Restart After years of security disruptions, financing shortfalls and contract disputes, two of Ethiopia’s highest‑profile geothermal concessions , the Tulu Moye (Meridiam/Reykjavik Geothermal) and Corbetti projects , are actively renegotiating with senior government authorities to resume development. The talks mark a practical pivot from litigation and prolonged suspension toward restarting drilling and project implementation, with implications for Ethiopia’s energy mix, investor confidence and the regional geothermal supply chain. Why these renegotiations matter For an emerging geothermal market like Ethiopia, the fate of Tulu Moye and Corbetti matters on three fronts: capacity and grid impact, investor signaling, and the country’s ability to mobilize large, foreign‑led project finance. Each project alone represents several hundred megawatts of potential dispatchable...

The African Development Bank has approved a transformative $16.5 Menengai million loan

The African Development Bank has approved a transformative $16.5 million loan to accelerate Kenya’s clean energy transition. By: Robert Buluma This funding will drive the construction of the 35 MW OrPower Twenty-Two ( OTTL ) Geothermal Power Plant in the Menengai geothermal field—a flagship renewable energy project set to deliver reliable, affordable, zero-emission baseload power straight into the national grid. Nestled in Kenya’s dramatic Rift Valley, north of Nakuru Town and about 180 km northwest of Nairobi, the Menengai geothermal field taps into one of the continent’s most promising sources of clean, sustainable energy. By harnessing the Earth’s natural heat deep underground, this project helps break Kenya’s dependence on expensive and polluting diesel generators. The OrPower Twenty-Two plant will be the third 35 MW facility in the Menengai field, complementing the already operational Sosian Menengai Geothermal plant and the under-construction Globeleq Menengai project (also supp...

52 Golden Geothermal Sites in Tanzania: Cupid's Arrow Hits the Energy Bullseye

Tanzania Embraces Geothermal Energy: A Path to Sustainable Power By: Robert Buluma Tanzania is taking bold steps toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future by prioritizing geothermal power development. During a recent address at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Annual Meeting of the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Minister for Energy Deogratius Ndejembi reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to geothermal energy as a key pillar of the country’s energy mix. The minister emphasized that geothermal will help deliver sufficient, affordable, and sustainable electricity while supporting global efforts to transition to clean energy systems. This strategic focus is embedded in major national and international frameworks, including Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, the 2015 National Energy Policy, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris cl...

RFP: Surface Studies Meru Geothermal Field ~Northern Tanzania

Request for Proposal: Surface Geothermal Studies for Meru Geothermal Field in Northern Tanzania By: Robert Buluma Image: Tanzanian Elephants cruising through North Tanzania insearch of water and much greener savanna The renewable energy sector in East Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with geothermal energy emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Among the region’s most promising geothermal sites is the Meru Geothermal Field in Northern Tanzania. To unlock this resource's potential, a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for surface geothermal studies, inviting experienced firms and consultants to participate. Just a few hours we were hot with news for Songwe Geothermal call for investors  , getting into this current status at Meru its obvious Tanzania is not mincing when it comes to tapping the heat beneath our feet. Objectives of the RFP The key objective of the RFP is to conduct detailed surface geothermal studies to evaluate the resource potential of the ...

Call For Investors, Songwe Geothermal Project Tanzania

Unlocking Tanzania's Hidden Energy Potential: Investment Opportunities in Songwe Geothermal Field By:  Robert Buluma Image: Simba Marara in Tanzania,just making sure the pride is well secured Nestled in the heart of Tanzania's Songwe region lies a geothermal treasure waiting to be tapped. With hot springs boasting temperatures between 75-85°C, the Songwe Geothermal Field presents a golden opportunity to revolutionize the region's energy landscape, spur economic growth, and position Tanzania as a key player in the renewable energy sector. Tanzania is on the verge of introducing 30 Mwe of energy into its grid  from Geothermal and this call from Ngozi is a testament of full steam ahead. The Promise of Geothermal Energy  Geothermal energy is one of the most reliable and sustainable energy sources, and Songwe’s hot springs hold immense untapped potential. Harnessing this resource can provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and pave the ...

GDC and Turkana County Goverment Reaches Consensus On Geothermal Project

Turkana County Government and Geothermal Development Company Sign Collaborative Framework Agreement for Geothermal Development By : Robert Buluma In an exciting development for the region, the Turkana County Government and the Geothermal Development Company  GDC have signed a groundbreaking Collaborative Framework Agreement (CFA). The agreement marks a major milestone in the pursuit of harnessing Turkana County’s geothermal potential, opening doors to significant economic growth and opportunities for the local community. Key Areas of Collaboration The CFA outlines several strategic areas where both parties will collaborate to unlock the full potential of Turkana's geothermal resources. These key points include: Joint Marketing of Geothermal Opportunities : Both parties will work together to promote and market geothermal opportunities in the region to attract investment and expertise. Collaboration in Scientific Surface Studies : A strong focus will be placed on conducting in-d...

Exergy and Rentco Set To Revitilize Kenyas Geothermal With Additional 67 MWe

Exergy  and  Rentco Ignite a Geothermal Revolution in Olkaria: A New Era for Clean Energy in Africa By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move set to redefine Kenya's geothermal landscape,  Exergy and  Rentco have inked a cooperation agreement to turbocharge the Olkaria Geothermal Field with an additional 67 MWe capacity. This ambitious project promises not just incremental gains, but a seismic shift in the region's energy dynamics, signaling a bold new chapter in Africa's clean energy saga. Exergy , renowned for its cutting-edge technology and robust portfolio boasting 500 MW capacity, will supply 8 Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants, contributing approximately 30 MWe to the project. These ORC plants are part of Rentco 's geothermal wellhead projects in Olkaria, designed to harness both flash and ORC systems, optimizing energy extraction from geothermal resources. The strategic deployment of Exergy’s highly efficient Radial Outflow Turbine (ROT) technology ...

GDC Secures €5Million Grant In Baringo-Silali Block

GDC Secures €5 Million Grant for Groundbreaking Geothermal Project By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking development for Kenya's energy sector, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has recently clinched a staggering €5 million grant from the Green Resilient Electricity System Programme. This pivotal grant, part of a larger EUR 20 million allocation for Kenya, heralds a new era of sustainable energy initiatives in the region. The focal point of this windfall is the ambitious Baringo-Silali geothermal project, a venture poised to redefine Kenya's energy landscape. With an emphasis on capacity building in sustainable project management, GDC is primed to ensure the seamless execution of this endeavor, marking a significant stride towards harnessing the potential of geothermal energy. The launch of the Green Resilient Electricity System Programme saw luminaries from the European Commission and Kenya's Ministry of Energy converge in Nairobi, underscoring the program's glo...

Ngozi To Dessipate 30 MW of Geothermal Energy come 2025

Unveiling the Power Beneath: The Ngozi Geothermal Project By: Robert Buluma Image: Lake Ngozi In a world where energy demand is skyrocketing, the quest for sustainable solutions has become paramount. Enter the Ngozi Geothermal Project – a beacon of hope in the realm of renewable energy. Gathered on the shores of Lake Ngozi in Mbeya, a diverse coalition of scientists from the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, and geothermally rich nations such as Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia convened for three days of groundbreaking discussions. At the heart of their deliberations lies a shared vision: to harness the earth's natural heat trapped beneath the surface of Lake Ngozi and transform it into a staggering 30 megawatts of clean, renewable power by the year 2025. It's not just about meeting energy needs; it's about pioneering a sustainable future for generations to come. The significance of this ambitious endeavor cannot be overstated. Geothermal energy represents a game-chang...

Toshiba and SEPCO to Uprate Kengens Olkaria 1 To 65 MW From 45 MW

KenGen Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revamp Oldest Geothermal Power Plant, Paving the Way for a Greener Future By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move towards bolstering Kenya's renewable energy sector, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has announced a landmark initiative to upgrade the country's oldest geothermal power plant. Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning global push towards sustainable energy solutions, this endeavor marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's journey towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future. The Olkaria I geothermal power plant, a venerable institution in Kenya's energy landscape, is poised to undergo a transformative overhaul aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and significantly boosting its electricity generation capacity. KenGen's ambitious vision entails elevating the plant's output from its current 45MW to a robust 63MW, representing a remarkable stride towards meeting the nation's escala...

GRMF HEAT-Promotes Geothermal Direct Use in East Africa with Holistic Approach

GRMF HEAT – Promoting Geothermal Direct Use in East Africa By  Alphaxioms The Regional Geothermal Coordination Unit (RGCU), acting as the managing team for the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF), is excited to announce the successful conclusion of the first GRMF HEAT application round. Launched in December 2022, the GRMF HEAT program aims to provide funding for Surface Studies, including Feasibility studies, for geothermal direct use applications in eligible countries. Out of ten full applications received, five projects have been awarded grant contracts, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of geothermal direct use in East Africa. These awarded projects, located in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, cover a diverse range of applications, including crop drying, milk pasteurization, aquaculture, and industrial brewery processes. Notably, the Gisenyi project in Rwanda represents the first GRMF-funded initiative in the country, signaling a promising start for geothermal ...

Geothermal Projects In Africa, Countries Overview

 Geothermal Projects in Africa: Country-wise Overview By : Robert Buluma Africa is increasingly turning to geothermal energy as a sustainable solution to meet its growing electricity demands. With abundant geothermal resources spread across the continent, several countries have embarked on ambitious projects to harness this clean and renewable energy source. Let's delve into the geothermal projects in various African countries, highlighting key players and prospects. Algeria Algeria is exploring its geothermal potential, particularly in the northern regions. Although in the early stages, initiatives are underway to assess feasibility and potential locations for geothermal power plants.  Burundi Burundi has shown interest in developing its geothermal resources, primarily in the northwest region near Lake Tanganyika. The government is actively seeking partnerships with international firms to kickstart exploration and development efforts. Comoros The Comoros Islands are situated ...

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Vulcan Energy Starts Lionheart 30MW Geothermal & 24,000tpa Lithium Plant , Landau

Vulcan Energy Kicks Off Civil Works at Lionheart: Europe’s Flagship Geothermal + Lithium Plant Starts Rising in Landau Image: The vulcan Lionheart project in Landau, Upper Rhine Graben  Vulcan Energy Resources has started civil construction on its 30 MW Lionheart Geothermal Power Plant in Landau, Germany a milestone that turns engineering blueprints into concrete reality for one of Europe’s most ambitious integrated geothermal and direct lithium extraction (DLE) projects. The first concrete layers are down, foundations are being formed, and supporting infrastructure works are under way. For stakeholders across the clean‑energy and critical minerals value chains, Lionheart represents far more than a single power station: it’s a demonstration of industrial symbiosis, price resilience, and a pathway to decarbonized battery supply chains in Europe. Why Landau matters: location, geology, and industrial context Landau sits in the Upper Rhine Graben, a tectonic trough with a favorable geo...

Sage Geosystems’ Project Vector: EGS at Ormat Blue Mountain Plant

Sage Geosystems Selects Ormat’s Blue Mountain Plant for Project Vector: a Major Step Toward Commercial EGS Sage Geosystems will deploy its proprietary EGS technology at Ormat’s Blue Mountain power plant in Nevada for Project Vector, targeting first electricity in 2027 and full-scale production in 2028. The two-well project aims to deliver firm, 24/7 geothermal power with lower water losses and higher net output,advancing commercial EGS, validating GeoTwin predictive modeling, and strengthening strategic ties with Ormat amid growing corporate demand for reliable baseload clean energy. Why this matters Sage Geosystems’ selection of Ormat Technologies’ Blue Mountain geothermal plant for Project Vector represents a pivotal demonstration of commercial-scale enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) integrated into existing power infrastructure. The decision leverages an established plant to reduce non-core capital, accelerate timeline risk reduction, and prioritize validation of subsurface engineer...

The "Heat-as-a-Service" (HaaS) Business Model: Geothermal Without the CAPEX Nightmare

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 ...

TEVERRA Joins Alaska DOE Geothermal Initiative to Reduce Risk

TEVERRA Joins $5 Million DOE Geothermal Initiative in Alaska Alaska is entering an important new phase in its geothermal energy development, with TEVERRA joining a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy-supported initiative focused on accelerating geothermal development across the state. The project brings together researchers, government geoscientists and private-sector subsurface specialists from the  University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), TEVERRA and Logic Geophysics. At the center of the initiative is a challenge that has constrained geothermal development in many parts of the world: the subsurface is difficult to understand before expensive drilling begins. For Alaska, where geothermal resources are distributed across a vast and geologically complex landscape, improving the quality of geological, geophysical and geomechanical information could become an important step toward...

Fervo and Google Sign Record 396 MW Geothermal Deal for Utah Data Center Power.

Fervo and Google sign world’s largest deal for next-gen geothermal power Fervo Energy’s latest agreement with Google is a major milestone for next-generation geothermal and a clear sign that big tech is getting more serious about 24/7 clean power. The deal covers 396 MW from Fervo’s Cape Station project in Utah, with the option for Google to expand its commitment later, potentially pushing the relationship much closer to gigawatt scale.   For the geothermal sector, the significance goes beyond one contract. It is a public validation that enhanced geothermal systems can attract a blue-chip corporate buyer at a size usually associated with utility-scale solar, wind, gas, or nuclear procurement. For Google, it strengthens a strategy centered on securing always-available, carbon-free electricity for future data center growth.   Fervo’s announcement also lands at a moment when electricity demand is rising fast, especially from artificial intelligence infrastructure. Tha...

Geothermal Well Cost 2026: Country Benchmarks, Drilling Costs per Meter, Depth & Reservoir Risk, and Investment Insights

Geothermal Well Cost by Country (2026): Drivers, Benchmarks, and Investment Implications image: a thematic image of a geothermal field Geothermal drilling remains one of the most capital‑intensive steps in developing clean, dispatchable energy. In 2026 the headline fact is familiar: drilling costs vary sharply between countries and projects. But the deeper story is about why those costs vary, which factors are controllable, and how investors, developers, and policymakers should interpret country‑level benchmarks. This article explains the technical and commercial drivers behind geothermal well expense, surveys the cost landscape across major geothermal markets in 2026, illustrates the dynamics with project examples and recent performance data, and offers practical recommendations for modeling, financing, and policy design. Why geothermal wells are expensive Drilling a geothermal well is not simply “digging a hole.” It is a technically complex, multi‑phase process that combines explorat...

Geothermal Rare Earth Elements from Brines: Unlocking Critical Minerals, Lithium, and Strategic Metals from Clean Geothermal Energy

Geothermal brines can become a meaningful source of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals, but the industry is still in an early, pre‐commercial phase where technology, economics, and policy need to align.  Why Geothermal Brines Matter for Critical Minerals Geothermal systems circulate hot, mineral-rich fluids through crustal rocks, dissolving metals and concentrating them in brines that already flow through wells for power and heat. Unlike conventional mining, which moves huge volumes of rock, geothermal operations tap fluids that are already being pumped, monitored, and handled for energy production.  Several factors make geothermal brines attractive for critical minerals: - They contain lithium, REEs, and other valuable metals at trace to moderate concentrations. - Infrastructure (wells, pipelines, power plants) already exists at many sites. - Co-production of minerals with baseload renewable energy lowers the carbon footprint of supply chains.  For co...

Mazama Energy Raises $135M for Superhot Geothermal Power

Mazama Energy Raises $135M to Drill Superhot Geothermal Wells for AI Power Mazama Energy’s new $135 million Series B is a major signal that superhot geothermal is moving from frontier science toward real commercial deployment. The company says the capital will help it drill deeper, develop horizontal wells in superhot rock, and move closer to generating electricity next year from its Oregon project.   Mazama Energy’s $135 Million Funding Round Mazama Energy announced an oversubscribed Series B totaling $135 million, with backing from major climate and energy investors. The round was led by Centaurus Capital and Doerr Capital, and it also drew participation from ConocoPhillips, Shell Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Gates Frontier, SiteGround Capital, H. Barton Asset Management, and the Jeffrey and Marieke Rothschild Foundation.   That investor mix matters because it shows geothermal is attracting both traditional energy capital and venture investors. The company was incuba...

Best US States for Geothermal Investment in 2026: Top Markets, Growth Opportunities, and Investor Insights

Best US States for Geothermal Investment The best US states for geothermal investment are California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas, with Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and Arizona also offering attractive upside depending on whether you want operating assets, early-stage development, or next-generation geothermal exposure. Geothermal is becoming a broader investment story than it was a few years ago. Stronger drilling methods, rising demand for firm clean power, and more state-level policy support are widening the field beyond the traditional western hot spots. Introduction For investors , geothermal is one of the few clean energy technologies that can deliver round-the-clock power with a relatively small land footprint. That reliability is a big advantage in a market where utilities, data centers, and industrial customers increasingly want clean electricity that behaves more like conventional baseload generation. The challenge is that geothermal is highly location-dependent. The qualit...

Top 10 Critical Geothermal Energy Problems Costs Risks Seismicity

Top 10 Geothermal Problems: Why a 24/7 Resource Still Struggles to Scale Image credit : Fida, C.E.O Geosilica... This is what scaling looks like downhole in geothermal pipes Intelligence; Strategy for the Geothermal Decade Geothermal energy is often presented as the clean firm resource that can support a renewable electricity system around the clock. It does not depend on sunshine, it can operate through calm weather, and it can provide heat and power for decades. Kenya already relies heavily on geothermal generation , Iceland uses geothermal heat across its economy, and next generation developers are now signing large power contracts with technology companies seeking reliable carbon free electricity. Yet the global geothermal sector remains small compared with solar and wind, with installed electricity capacity still near 16 GW.  That gap is not caused by one obstacle. It is produced by a chain of interlocking problems involving geology, drilling, finance, permitting, public acce...