Alphaxioms Geothermal News and Related Research Globally

In a bold step toward redefining the future of clean energy, Orkuveitan, Iceland’s leading utility company, has announced its next major geothermal milestone — the IDDP-3 superhot drilling project. By: Robert Buluma Presented by Hera Grímsdóttir, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Orkuveitan, during the Superhot Summit in Reykjavík’s Harpa Conference Center, this initiative marks the dawn of a new era in geothermal energy utilization. The event, organized by Iceland’s Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson in collaboration with the national energy sector, showcased Iceland’s ambition to fast-track the development of next-generation geothermal systems. A joint declaration of intent was signed between the Ministry and three major energy companies — Landsvirkjun, Orkuveitan, and HS Orka — solidifying their cooperation on the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP-3). The Next Frontier: Deep Drilling into the Earth’s Core In her keynote, Hera Grímsdó...

Alphaxioms, we talked to Chris Sladen about his involvement in geothermal both in the UK, and globally By:  Robert Buluma Chris, please begin by explaining a little about yourself, and why you have a passion for geothermal? I have spent over 45 years involved in energy. Following undergraduate studies in geology at Southampton University, and a PhD in sedimentology at Reading University, I joined the energy sector in Aberdeen in 1980. It was a fascinating era when it seemed like at least one giant oil & gas field was discovered offshore every month; the wealth creation for the UK was gigantic. I got to see so much geology and rocks - my true passion. I moved to China in late 1983; not today’s China, this was over 40 years ago, a country closed for decades and embarking on an open-door policy, in part to bring both investment and technology. I became very interested in energy trends, energy politics, and new geography created by changing politics leading to opportunities for ene...

Alphaxioms Calls for a Bold Partnership with Saudi Aramco: Geothermal, Hydrogen, andCCUS for Saudi Arabia’s Energy Future By:  Robert Buluma Saudi Arabia stands at a historic crossroads. With Vision 2030 charting the Kingdom’s transition from oil dependency to a diversified, sustainable economy, the world is watching how energy giants like Saudi Aramco will redefine their role in the global transition. The stakes are high, and the opportunities are even higher. At Alphaxioms, we believe Saudi Arabia has an unprecedented chance to lead the next wave of clean energy innovation—not just in the Middle East, but worldwide. The time has come to tap into solutions that go beyond incremental change. The Energy Challenge The global community is racing toward net-zero emissions, with 2050 as the defining milestone. Nations and corporations alike are under pressure to deliver scalable, low-carbon solutions that maintain energy security while reducing emissions. For Saudi Arabia, this means ha...

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh — In a landmark initiative for renewable energy innovation, India is set to commission its first fully indigenous 50 kW geothermal power plant in the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh. By:  Robert Buluma Why it matters Operating at an unusually low geothermal temperature of just 68 °C , the project showcases India’s capability to harness Earth’s heat even at smaller scales. Designed to benefit about 5,000 residents in remote communities of Tawang district—Mago, Thingbu, and Damteng—it represents a decentralized model for clean energy supply. Who’s behind it The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) and Shriram Institute for Industrial Research (SIIR) have formalized their collaboration to carry the project forward. Their earlier work includes a 20 kW pilot using the same indigenous bipolar-process technology, preceded by trials with a 5 kW lab-scale model. Tech innovation at the core According to project insiders, trial campaigns ...

Stanford  Engineers Unveil a Game-Changer: Smart Cement for Geothermal Wells By:  Robert Buluma In the ever-evolving journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, geothermal energy continues to rise as a powerful ally. But while the heat beneath our feet is abundant, safely and efficiently tapping into it isn’t always straightforward. Now,  Stanford University researchers may have just cracked a key challenge—with a material innovation that could transform the geothermal industry forever. 💡 The Problem: Cement Cracks and the Risk It Poses In geothermal wells, cement is used to seal and stabilize boreholes. But here’s the catch: high underground temperatures and pressures can cause traditional cement to crack over time. These micro-cracks can lead to serious risks—fluid leaks, well failure, environmental hazards, and even safety concerns for workers and communities. 🧠 The Solution: Stanford’s “Smart Cement” A team of  Stanford engineers, led by res...

The Ethics of Foreign Investment in African Geothermal Resources By:  Robert Buluma Beneath the surface of Africa lies a force powerful enough to revolutionize the continent's energy future: geothermal energy. With its promise of clean, sustainable, and reliable baseload power, geothermal is no longer just a hidden treasure it's a strategic resource. Yet, as the interest of foreign investors grows in the Rift Valley and beyond, so do the ethical questions. Are these investments empowering Africa or quietly replicating patterns of resource exploitation? This article delves deep into the ethical implications of foreign investment in Africa's geothermal sector. We explore case studies across the continent, highlight emerging concerns, and present a framework for ensuring that Africa benefits from its geothermal riches without surrendering control or sovereignty. The African Geothermal Boom: A Global Attraction Africa, particularly along the East African Rift System (EARS)...

In a bold and historic leap towards clean energy, Tenerife is gearing up for its first-ever geothermal drilling for energy production , thanks to a visionary collaboration led by Reykjavík Geothermal (RG) of Iceland and local energy giant DISA .  By:  Robert Buluma The project marks a seismic shift in how the Canary Islands approach renewable energy quite literally. As the autumn breeze begins to roll in over the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, drilling rigs will roar to life , signaling the dawn of a geothermal revolution in the region. This isn’t just another renewable energy project  it’s the birth of an entirely new energy frontier , and Iceland is right at the helm. 🌍 A Northern Powerhouse in a Southern Paradise Renowned for harnessing its own geothermal resources with unmatched expertise, Iceland has long been the benchmark for clean, sustainable energy. Now, Reykjavík Geothermal is exporting that excellence to the Canary Islands through a trailblazing partner...

400C Energy Pioneers Next-Gen Geothermal Power with Groundbreaking Utah Project By: Robert Buluma In a monumental move for renewable energy development, 400C Energy has acquired 1,960 acres of exploration rights in Utah to develop a cutting-edge Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) capable of generating 100 MWe of clean, carbon-free electricity. Leveraging proprietary technology, the project promises to revolutionize geothermal energy production by tapping into 275°C resources near the Department of Energy's FORGE site and Fervo Energy’s Frisco Pad.  This article encompounds much on the magical Fervo geothermal project Innovation at the Core The key to this breakthrough lies in 400C Energy’s proprietary hydraulic stimulation technology. This advanced system dramatically increases downhole surface area, enhances power plant longevity, and ensures sustainable energy production by incorporating flow control mechanisms to optimize brine movement within the wells. With over 300 stimulation ...

Pioneering the Future:  Alphaxioms  and  Gre3nco Bold Venture into Kenya's Geothermal Frontier By:  Teflon Don Image:  The powerful wells of Olkaria, LinkedIn In a groundbreaking partnership,  Alphaxioms and  Gre3nco are set to revolutionize Kenya's energy landscape. These two energy powerhouses are combining their expertise to explore nine earmarked geothermal fields: Hells Gate, Maeilla, Moi Ndabi, Enoosupukia, Nairagile Enkare, Kongoni Acc, Naivasha, Eburru, and Area A. This ambitious project promises to be a game-changer, setting new standards in geothermal energy production and sustainability. The Master Project By early January 2025, the first of these power plants is expected to take shape, harnessing the earth's natural heat to generate clean, sustainable energy. Surface studies have already commenced, and the project is set to proceed with unprecedented speed and efficiency. The drilling will employ techno-agnostic methods, tailored to the ...