Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label Alphaxioms

How Kenya’s Rift Valley Could Power the World’s Electric Vehicle Revolution

Discover how Kenya’s Rift Valley geothermal resources could become a game-changer for the global electric vehicle industry. Explore opportunities, innovations, and insights from Alphaxioms’ expert consultancy in renewable energy. By Alphaxioms | Renewable Energy Insights Kenya’s Rift Valley is more than a scenic wonder — it’s emerging as a global powerhouse in renewable energy, with the potential to fuel the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). Hidden beneath its volcanic landscapes lies vast geothermal energy, a clean and reliable resource that could revolutionize the EV battery supply chain worldwide. For innovators and investors in clean technology, this is a game-changer. By harnessing geothermal heat, Kenya can support sustainable lithium extraction and other critical minerals, powering not just homes and industries, but also the rapidly expanding EV market. Alphaxioms, a leading renewable energy consultancy, has been at the forefront of exploring these opportunities, comb...

Waikā Consulting’s $5 Million Geothermal Bid Rekindles Old Tensions in Hawaiʻi’s Clean Energy Transition

Hawaiʻi’s Geothermal Gamble: Balancing Clean Energy Ambitions with Cultural Integrity By: Robert Buluma In Hawaiʻi’s pursuit of a 100% renewable energy future by 2045, few energy options inspire as much promise — or controversy — as geothermal. This week, that tension resurfaced when  Waika Consulting a geothermal development firm, requested a $5 million investment from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) in exchange for a stake in a $275 million geothermal project. The proposal, presented by Waikā President Ryan Matsumoto and former OHA Trustee Mililani Trask, promises substantial financial returns for Native Hawaiians. Yet, it also reopens old debates about environmental safety, cultural values, and trust in geothermal governance. A High-Stakes Investment Pitch Waikā’s plan positions geothermal not merely as a clean energy source, but as a vehicle for Native Hawaiian economic empowerment. The firm estimates that OHA’s $5 million stake could yield $25–$50 million in returns over...

Alphaxioms Spotlight: Strategic Geothermal Development Lessons from Aargau

Alphaxioms Insights: Unlocking Geothermal Potential – Lessons from the Canton of Aargau By  Robert Buluma Discover how Alphaxioms leverages lessons from the  Canton of Aargau to advance geothermal energy projects, combining data-driven mapping, strategic planning, and innovative technology for sustainable energy solutions. At Alphaxioms, we explore how geothermal energy can be effectively harnessed to power sustainable solutions worldwide. The Canton of Aargau in Switzerland recently launched a strategic geothermal initiative that serves as a model for data-driven development, offering valuable insights for Alphaxioms projects in Africa and beyond. Why Geothermal Energy Matters to Alphaxioms Geothermal energy is a reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly power source. Key advantages include: Baseload energy: Heat and electricity available 24/7. Minimal environmental footprint: Low surface area requirement and high efficiency. Climate impact: Supports carbon neutral...

IGA and Giving Green Forge a New Path for Clean, Firm Energy

🌋 Global Geothermal Policy Takes Center Stage: IGA and Giving Green Forge a New Path for Clean, Firm Energy By:  Robert Buluma In a powerful step toward transforming the future of clean energy, the  International Geothermal Association (IGA) has partnered with  Giving Green to accelerate global geothermal policy and regulation. This collaboration marks a turning point for the geothermal sector — one that could redefine how nations approach firm, renewable power in the era of climate urgency. Policy Reform Meets Energy Innovation Backed by Giving Green’s strategic grant, the IGA will host two high-impact Policy & Regulation Fora in Europe — specialized “acceleration labs” that bring together governments, regulators, and industry players to tackle the barriers throttling geothermal progress. From lengthy permitting delays to inconsistent policy frameworks, these challenges have slowed one of the most reliable forms of renewable energy. The fora will focus on creating...

Iceland’s Geothermal Revolution: Bjarni Pálsson to Lead Strategic Task Force Shaping the Nation’s Energy Future

Iceland Charts a Bold Geothermal Future: Bjarni Pálsson to Lead the Nation’s Strategic Task Force By  Robert Buluma | October 30, 2025 Iceland — the land where fire meets ice — is once again positioning itself at the forefront of geothermal innovation. In a decisive move, Iceland’s Minister for Environment, Energy, and Climate , Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, has launched a new strategic initiative to redefine how the country harnesses its powerful geothermal resources — not just as an energy source, but as a national tool for growth, equality, and global leadership. At the helm of this vision stands Bjarni Pálsson , the President of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and Executive Director of Wind and Geothermal at Landsvirkjun , Iceland’s national power company. Pálsson will chair an expert task force charged with developing a forward-thinking roadmap for Iceland’s geothermal future — one that could once again set a global benchmark for sustainable energy. A Task Force of ...

Kenya’s Low Electricity Supply Threatens to Derail Data Centre Ambitions

Kenya’s Low Electricity Supply Threatens to Derail Data Centre Ambitions By:  Robert Buluma Earlier on Alphaxioms.blogspot.com, we explored how the EcoCloud Data Centre project represented  Kenya’s bold leap into renewable-powered digital infrastructure — a model for how clean energy can drive sustainable data innovation. However, new developments suggest that this vision may be facing serious challenges. President William Ruto has revealed that Kenya’s ambitious plan to host world-class data centres powered by renewable energy has stalled due to the country’s limited electricity generation capacity. While Kenya has earned global recognition for its geothermal and wind power leadership, the current generation levels remain too low to sustain the heavy energy demands of data infrastructure. Ruto pointed to Ethiopia’s 5,400 MW mega-dam, commissioned last month — two and a half times Kenya’s total installed capacity — as a clear indicator of the widening energy gap Nairobi must ...

Green Climate Fund and IDB Drive Geothermal Transformation Across the Eastern Caribbean

Sustainable Energy Facility for the Eastern Caribbean: Unlocking Geothermal Power for Island Nations By:  Robert Buluma In a bold step toward achieving energy independence and climate resilience, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in partnership with the  Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is spearheading a regional geothermal revolution across the Eastern Caribbean. The Sustainable Energy Facility for the Eastern Caribbean (FP020) is not just a clean energy project—it’s a blueprint for how small island developing states (SIDS) can transition from fossil fuel dependency to sustainable, homegrown power. A Regional Vision for Energy Transformation Approved by the GCF Board in October 2016, this multi-country initiative spans Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines—five nations bound by geography, vulnerability, and a shared goal of energy security. Collectively, these islands have long relied on imported liquid fuels to gen...

Margün Energy Secures 505 MW Geothermal Licenses, Expands Renewable Frontier in Turkey

Magnum Energy  Expands into Geothermal, Securing Licenses for 505 MW Potential in Turkey Published: November 5, 2025 By  Robert Buluma Turkish renewable energy powerhouse Margün Energy is making a bold move into geothermal energy, acquiring nine geothermal licenses that could unlock a potential 505 MW of power production . This expansion aligns with the company’s broader ambitions in renewables and lithium extraction. Listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange since 2021, Margün Energy announced it will establish a subsidiary, Margün Jeotermal , to oversee its geothermal portfolio across the provinces of Denizli in southwestern Turkey and Manisa in the west. Through its fully-owned subsidiary Bosphorus Yenilenebilir Enerji , Margün Energy will hold a 77.5% stake in the new venture. The company anticipates a total annual electricity output of 3.86 TWh , generating approximately USD 405 million in revenue , translating into USD 324 million in EBITDA . Margün Energy is alre...

New Zealand Assembles Global Experts to Lead Supercritical Geothermal Revolution

New Zealand Gears Up for Supercritical Geothermal Breakthrough By:  Robert Buluma New Zealand is taking a bold step into the future of renewable energy with its pioneering supercritical geothermal exploration project. The Government has announced an international review panel of leading geothermal experts to guide this groundbreaking initiative, signaling a major leap toward cleaner, more resilient energy. Global Expertise Joins Forces The panel will be chaired by Professor Roland N. Horne of , a globally recognized leader in earth science and engineering. Joining him are Dr. Omar Friðleifsson and well engineer Kristinn Ingason from the Iceland Deep Drilling Project, along with U.S. geochemist Dr. Darrell Gallup. Their combined expertise covers the full spectrum of geothermal science and engineering, ensuring that New Zealand’s supercritical geothermal ambitions are in capable hands. In addition to the international experts, a top-tier New Zealand technical team has been appointed...

Colorado Opens Final $12 Million Grant Round to Accelerate Geothermal Electricity Projects

Colorado Launches Round 4 of Geothermal Energy Grant Program: $12 Million Available for Electricity Project By:  Robert Buluma Colorado is accelerating its transition to clean energy with the launch of Round 4 of the Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP) ) , offering $12 million in funding to support geothermal electricity development across the state. This latest round, anticipated to be the final one for the program, prioritizes projects that significantly advance geothermal electricity generation. Who Can Apply? The program is open to a wide range of applicants, including: Local governments and political subdivisions of Colorado Tribal governments Corporations registered in Colorado Gas and electric service public utilities Other eligible entities with CEO approval Applicants must carefully review eligibility criteria in the Request for Applications (RFA) documents to ensure their projects qualify. Eligible Projects Round 4 funding focuses exclusively on geothermal ...

Indonesia’s First 50:50 Geothermal Joint Venture Takes Shape — PT Daya Mas Bumi Sentosa Officially Launched

In a landmark move that signals Indonesia’s deepening commitment to renewable energy, PT DSSR Daya Mas Sakti — part of the Sinar Mas Group  — and PT FirstGen Geothermal Indonesia , a subsidiary of the Energy Development Corporation ( EDC ) , have officially formed a joint venture company named PT Daya Mas Bumi Sentosa . By:  Robert Buluma This follows the signing ceremony held in August, marking the official wrap-up of one of the most anticipated geothermal partnerships in the region. The new company, PT Daya Mas Bumi Sentosa , represents the first-ever 50:50 geothermal partnership of its kind in Indonesia — a perfect balance of local expertise and international technical excellence. A Powerful Collaboration for a Sustainable Future The newly formed entity will spearhead the exploration and development of six geothermal prospects across Indonesia , with a combined development capacity of 440 megawatts (MW) . This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the nation’s shift ...

BMW Brilliance Unveils Groundbreaking Geothermal Heating Project to Power Its Zero-Carbon Industrial Future in Shenyang

BMW  Brilliance Taps Geothermal Energy to Power a Zero-Carbon Future in Shenyang By:  Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking stride toward industrial decarbonization,  BMW  Brilliance Automotive has officially launched a geothermal heating project at its powertrain plant and sixth-generation high-voltage battery center in Shenyang, Liaoning Province . This marks a major milestone in the global push toward clean, non-fossil energy within large-scale manufacturing. The project, unveiled on October 31 , represents a shift from conventional fossil-based heating systems to a 100% non-fossil geothermal supply — one that not only reduces carbon emissions but also serves as a scalable model for clean industrial heating across northern China. According to project details, the installation comprises 28 medium-deep geothermal wells covering approximately 580,000 square meters of heating area. Once fully operational, the system is expected to cut carbon emissions by 18,000 ton...

Iceland’s Orkuveitan Leads the Charge in Superhot Geothermal Development

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...

Driving the UK Toward Net Zero: Chris Sladen on Geothermal’s Untapped Potential

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...