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Iceland Launches First High-Temp Slimhole Well in 15 Years — A New Era for Geothermal Discovery Begins

Iceland Launches a New High-Temperature Slimhole Well After 15 Years: A Major Leap for Geothermal Exploration By: Robert Buluma Iceland has once again taken a bold step in strengthening its geothermal leadership, as Orkuveitan announced the commencement of its first exploration well in over 15 years . This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for geothermal innovation in the Meitlar area—one that blends scientific precision, sustainability, and future-focused energy development. The newly launched well is no ordinary project. It is a high-temperature slimhole designed to reach depths of 1,500 meters , allowing geoscientists to test the presence, behavior, and potential of the geothermal system hidden beneath the Meitlar landscape. This well represents years of planning, rigorous geological studies, and persistent pursuit of clean-energy solutions. According to the project team, this initiative is a key element of Orkuveitan’s New Energies department, which works tirelessly t...

Quaise Energy Unveils Revolutionary Pure-Energy Drilling — The Future of Geothermal is Here

⚡ Quaise Energy’s Groundbreaking Demo: Drilling with Pure Energy — A Revolution Rooted in MIT Posted by  Robert Buluma — November 2025 In the heart of Marble Falls, Texas, the earth trembled not from an explosion, but from innovation. Quaise Energy — a bold spinout from the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI ) — has just proven the impossible : drilling through granite using pure energy , not physical bits. This September, the company hosted the first of several live public demonstrations of its millimeter-wave drilling system — a technological leap that could redefine the future of geothermal energy. 🔥 The Birth of a Drilling Revolution Quaise’s CEO Carlos Araque calls it “the first drilling innovation in 100 years.” He believes this breakthrough can unlock clean, renewable geothermal power on a scale rivaling fossil fuels . And that’s not hyperbole. With early funding and research support from MITEI , Quaise is turning decades of plasma and fusion science into the key tha...

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...

Vinkovci’s Geothermal Breakthrough: Unlocking Croatia’s Clean Energy Future

Vinkovci Uncovers Massive Geothermal Potential: Studies and Documentation Underway By:  Robert Buluma Vinkovci, Croatia – November 3, 2025 Recent research at the Vinkovci GT-1 well has confirmed significant geothermal potential in the area, positioning Vinkovci as the third Croatian city—after Velika Gorica and Osijek—to record reservoir temperatures above 100°C. These findings continue a successful series of exploratory activities led by the  Croatian  Hydrocarbons Agency (Agencija za ugljikovodike) as part of the project “Preparation and Exploration of Geothermal Potential in the Context of Centralized Heating.” Energy of the Future Beneath Vinkovci Mayor Josip Romić expressed his excitement on social media, stating: "Research has confirmed what we believed from the start—Vinkovci and our region hold enormous geothermal potential. Beneath our feet lies the energy of the future, enabling us to reduce dependency on external factors and fluctuating energy prices. This is ...

Washington State Digs Deep: Exploring Geothermal Energy for a Clean, Reliable Future

An Early Look at Geothermal Energy in Washington: Opportunities and Community Engagement By:  Robert Buluma Washington State  is exploring the untapped potential of geothermal energy, a clean and reliable power source derived from the natural heat within the Earth. Mountains such as Mt. St. Helens have been identified as areas with promising geothermal resources, which could support the state’s shift toward renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although there are currently no geothermal projects underway in Washington, the state is taking proactive steps to assess the risks, benefits, and opportunities of geothermal development. A new collaborative process has been launched, aiming to involve communities, Tribes, and other interested parties in understanding and shaping the future of geothermal energy in the state. Focus on Three Key Areas The Washington Geological Survey, part of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has highlighted three regions with geo...

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...

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 ...

TOYO Advances Next-Generation Geothermal Power with Coaxial Closed-Loop Technology in Japan

TOYO Selected for Feasibility Study on Coaxial Closed-Loop Geothermal Technology in Japan Toyo Engineering advances next-generation geothermal power solutions with JOGMEC approval By:  Robert Buluma October 27, 2025 Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO) has been officially selected by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to conduct a feasibility study under the "Next-Generation Geothermal Power Generation Technology" program. TOYO’s proposal, titled “Feasibility Study on Coaxial Closed-Loop Geothermal Power Generation Technology in Japan” , has been approved for commissioning, marking a major step toward the domestic implementation of next-generation geothermal systems. Unlike conventional geothermal power, which relies on groundwater or natural geothermal reservoirs, the coaxial closed-loop system can generate electricity wherever heat sources exist, across a variety of geological conditions. The system works by circulating a heat transfer fluid,...

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 ...

ADB Reaffirms Commitment to Indonesia’s Geothermal Future with $180 Million Boost for Clean Energy Development

The Asian Development Bank (ADB ) has once again demonstrated its steadfast commitment to advancing renewable energy in Southeast Asia, approving a $180 million loan to support PT Geo Dipa Energy (GDE) By: Robert Buluma Indonesia’s state-owned geothermal company — in scaling up geothermal electricity generation across Java Island. This funding marks the second additional financing under the Geothermal Power Generation Project, which focuses on constructing and commissioning two geothermal plants, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts. These facilities will contribute much-needed base-load power to the Java–Bali electricity grid, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 550,000 tons annually — a significant step toward Indonesia’s decarbonization goals. > “ADB is pleased to partner with the Government of Indonesia in advancing the country’s sustainable energy transition,” said Jiro Tominaga, ADB Country Director for Indonesia. “PT Geo Dipa Energy plays a catalytic role in driving the...

SLB and Ormat Join Forces to Accelerate Next-Generation Geothermal Development

A groundbreaking partnership to commercialize Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and redefine clean energy for the AI era By:  Robert Buluma In a major leap for global clean energy innovation, SLB  (NYSE: SLB) and Ormat  Technologies (NYSE: ORA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at fast-tracking the development and deployment of integrated geothermal assets , including Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)   the next frontier in geothermal technology. Unveiled on October 27, 2025 , this collaboration brings together SLB’s deep expertise in subsurface engineering and well construction with Ormat’s six-decade legacy in geothermal power plant development and operations . The goal? To unlock the Earth’s untapped heat potential and make geothermal energy accessible far beyond conventional hydrothermal hotspots. 🔥 The Future of Geothermal: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Traditional geothermal relies on naturally occurring steam or hot water reservoirs. E...

Utah and New Zealand Join Forces to Supercharge Geothermal Energy Innovation under “Operation Gigawatt”

A New Chapter in Geothermal Diplomacy: Utah & New Zealand Seal Geothermal Pact By:  Robert Buluma In October 2025, a significant milestone was achieved when Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah, and Simon Watts, New Zealand’s Minister for Energy, signed a Letter of Intent in Auckland. The agreement formalises cooperation between Utah and New Zealand, with a special focus on developing geothermal energy as part of their shared goal to expand and diversify clean energy generation. Key Elements of the Agreement The newly signed agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in energy generation, diversification, and innovation — with geothermal energy taking center stage. The partnership also aligns with Utah’s broader mission, Operation Gigawatt , which seeks to create energy abundance through the development of renewable and advanced energy technologies. This signing was part of a wider trade and innovation mission involving cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, clean energy, ...

Košice Ignites Its Geothermal Future: A 30-Year Dream Becomes Reality”

Košice Turns Up the Heat: Geothermal Energy to Warm the City After 30 Years in Waiting By: Robert Buluma After three decades of anticipation, the city of Košice, Slovakia, is finally set to tap into one of the Earth’s cleanest and most sustainable energy sources geothermal heat. On Wednesday, drilling begins on the long-awaited project “Utilization of Geothermal Energy in the Košice Basin”, marking a major leap toward energy independence and carbon neutrality for Slovakia’s eastern metropolis. From the site of Svinica–Ďurkov, a new deep geothermal well will be drilled, expected to reach a temperature of 135°C and a flow rate of 55 liters per second. Two reinjection wells each plunging roughly 3,700 meters deep  will accompany the main production well, ensuring a closed-loop system that reuses and reheats the geothermal water beneath the Earth’s surface. The third and final well is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Turning Vision into Reality The geothermal heating project is be...

XGS Energy Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone in Geothermal Innovation

XGS Energy  Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone for Water-Independent Geothermal System By : Robert Buluma HOUSTON, Sept 30, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for the geothermal sector, XGS Energy has announced the successful 3,000-hour operation of its water-independent geothermal system at commercial scale. This milestone not only validates the system’s commercial economics but also positions XGS as the first company to demonstrate such technology under real-world, commercial conditions. A New Era in Geothermal Innovation The operations took place at the Coso Geothermal Field in California’s Western Mojave Desert, a site owned by Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure and operated by Coso Operating Company. XGS Energy  revitalized a well that had been idle for over two decades, installing its proprietary closed-loop geothermal system enhanced by Thermal Reach Enhancement (TRE) technology. Flow testing delivered a record performance, maintaining a sustained temperature differenc...