Rochester’s Downtown Building Energy Transition: Building Minnesota’s First Municipal Thermal Energy Network By: Robert Buluma Rochester, Minnesota is quietly making history. In November 2025, the city flipped the switch on Phase 2 of its Downtown Building Energy Transition (DBET), creating the state’s first municipal thermal energy network that connects multiple public buildings to clean, renewable geothermal energy. City Hall, the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Art Center, and Rochester Civic Theatre are now linked through a shared “ambient loop” that moves heat where it’s needed ,no fossil fuels required for day-to-day operations. This isn’t just another green project checkbox. It’s a practical, scalable model for how mid-sized American cities can decarbonize large downtown building clusters while actually saving money. What Exactly Is a Thermal Energy Network? Think of it as district energy, but smarter and cleaner. A thermal energy network is a closed-loop ...

PGE’s Lumut Balai Unit 2: A 55 MW Geothermal Triumph Rewriting Indonesia’s Clean Energy Future By:  Robert Buluma Indonesia has once again staked its claim as a global geothermal heavyweight. With the successful operationalization of the Lumut Balai Unit 2 Geothermal Power Plant, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) has delivered a strategic blow in the global race toward clean baseload energy. More than just a 55 MW addition to the country’s energy mix, this project marks a bold step in Indonesia’s ambition to expand its geothermal capacity to 1 gigawatt within the next few years. In a world grappling with climate volatility, unstable energy prices, and growing demand for reliable renewable power, this achievement resonates far beyond Indonesia’s borders. It signals a shift — a declaration that geothermal energy is rapidly maturing, scaling, and proving itself as the backbone of modern clean-energy systems. A Milestone Project in a Region Rich With Geothermal Potential Lumut ...

Croatia Approves Geothermal Exploration in Kotoriba: No Full Environmental Impact Study Required By: Robert Buluma Croatia has taken a decisive step forward in its clean energy transition with a new approval that underscores its commitment to renewable energy development. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has ruled that the upcoming geothermal exploration project in Kotoriba—specifically in Zones 2 and 3—does not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This decision effectively allows Viola Energy Generation d.o.o. to proceed with drilling up to four geothermal exploration wells, marking a major milestone for the country’s geothermal sector. As Europe accelerates its shift toward sustainable and energy-secure solutions, Croatia’s proactive stance positions it as a rising leader in geothermal development within the region. A Strategic Decision for Croatia’s Renewable Energy Future In its resolution dated 30 October 2025 , the Ministry concluded...

Vulcan Energy  Secures $196 Million Deal for Geothermal Power and Lithium Production in Germany By:  Robert Buluma In a major leap for Europe’s clean energy transition, Vulcan Energy  Resources has signed a landmark $196 million (€110 million) supply contract with European firms Turboden and ROM Technik . The deal will see the development, procurement, and construction of a commercial geothermal power plant near Landau, Germany , forming a cornerstone of Vulcan’s phase one Lionheart Project . A Game-Changer for Renewable Energy and EV Supply Chains The contract covers the full scope of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) on a fixed lump-sum turnkey basis , ensuring certainty in both cost and delivery. When completed, the Lionheart geothermal facility will: Generate 275 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable power annually. Produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year. Supply enough lithium for around 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually. ...