Global Geothermal Power: Policies, Funding, Wells, Strengths, Opportunities and Barriers Geothermal is moving into a broader investment cycle. In 2026, the story is no longer limited to volcanic power plants in a few classic markets; it now includes enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop designs, district heating, superhot rock, lithium from brines and industrial heat. Across the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, France and Italy, the sector is being shaped by a simple question: who is de-risking the first wells, and who is ready to finance the next ones? United States: the next-generation testbed The United States has the broadest geothermal innovation ecosystem in this group, with a mature conventional base in the West and a fast-growing next-generation pipeline. The main policy signal in 2026 is the Department of Energy’s US$171.5 million funding opportunity for next-generation geothermal field-scale tests, exploration...
The Race to the Earth’s Core: A Superhot Geothermal Showdown By: Robert Buluma After half a century of being confined to geologically unique hotspots, geothermal energy is finally going global. At the heart of this revolution are two very different companies. Mazama Energy and Quaise Energy are both racing to do something that has never been done before: create a commercially viable, superhot rock (SHR) geothermal power plant. But while their destination is the same, their maps for getting there could not be more different. Mazama is taking the most advanced version of the oil and gas industry’s playbook and running it at record temperatures. Quaise is throwing that playbook away entirely and betting on a new kind of drill powered by fusion-grade technology. This is a head-to-head comparison of their technologies, their timelines, and their ultimate potential to reshape our energy landscape. Part 1: Mazama Energy – The Record‑Breaking Reservoir Creator Mazama is not a newcomer to t...