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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...

EDC’s Bold Move: Breathing New Life into the Legendary 129-MW Leyte Geothermal Plant

The Philippines’ geothermal pioneer, Energy Development Corporation (EDC) , is once again making headlines — not for launching something new, but for giving new meaning to what already exists.  By:  Robert Buluma The company has announced plans to repurpose its iconic 129-megawatt Upper Mahiao Geothermal Power Plant in Kananga, Leyte — a facility that has faithfully served the nation for nearly three decades. After reaching the end of its operational lifespan, the plant — once a symbol of the country’s energy independence — now stands at the cusp of transformation. EDC Vice-President Ryan Z. Velasco confirmed that the company will conduct site feasibility studies to explore various options, including potential repurposing or redevelopment of the area. End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter The Upper Mahiao Power Plant began commercial operations in 1996 under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme — a pioneering model at the time. EDC took over the project in 2006, seaml...

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...

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, ...

Innargi and H. Anger’s Söhne Forge Long-Term Partnership to Power Geothermal Growth in Denmark and Germany

INNARGI  and  H. Anger’s Söhne Seal a Groundbreaking Geothermal Drilling Deal for Denmark and Germany By:  Robert Buluma In a major stride toward Europe’s clean energy ambitions, Innargi A/S, a leading Danish geothermal developer, has entered into a three-year framework agreement with H. Anger’s Söhne Bohr- und Brunnenbaugesellschaft mbH, one of the continent’s most experienced drilling companies. The deal covers the provision of drilling rig services for geothermal projects across Denmark and Germany, marking a significant advancement in the region’s pursuit of sustainable, low-carbon district heating. Under the agreement, approximately 20 deep geothermal wells will be drilled over the next three years, each designed to supply renewable and stable heat to communities. These wells will utilize the City Rig 500, one of Europe’s quietest and most technologically advanced rigs — developed jointly by Anger and Herrenknecht Vertical. The City Rig 500’s design is tailored spec...

Turboden to Deliver 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Fervo’s Cape Station Geothermal Project in Utah

Turboden ,  Fervo and the Future of Geothermal: 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Cape Station, Utah By:  Robert Buluma October 2, 2025    In a landmark move for clean energy and geothermal power, Turboden America LLC   the U.S. arm of Turboden S.p.A. (a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company)  has been selected to supply 180 MW of Gen-2 Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants for Fervo Energy’s Cape Station geothermal project in Utah. A New Milestone in Geothermal Deployment This award relates to Phase II of the Cape Station development, following  Turboden’s earlier participation in Phase I. Under Phase II, Turboden will provide three ORC units , each with a gross output of 60 MWe, summing to 180 MWe. Once installed and operational (targeted by 2028), these Gen-2 units will bring the total ORC capacity on site to 300 MWe , making Cape Station one of the largest geothermal installations globally. The earlier Phase I installation, invol...

Kenya’s Energy Crossroads: Gulf Energy Takes Over Tullow Oil in Turkana’s Geothermal-Rich Fields

Gulf Energy  Takes Over Tullow Oil’s Turkana Fields – Oil Drilling to Overlap a Geothermal Hotspot By:  Robert Buluma In a landmark energy shift for Kenya, British explorer Tullow Oil  has officially exited the country after 14 years , selling its Turkana operations to Gulf Energy  in a deal worth Ksh.16 billion (USD 120 million). The transition marks the end of  Tullow's chapter in Kenya and the beginning of a new phase that could reshape not only oil production but geothermal exploration as well. The takeover grants  Gulf Energy full control of the Turkana oil project , situated in a geologically active zone that also happens to host significant geothermal potential. Beneath Turkana’s arid landscapes, volcanic systems create natural heat reservoirs turning the region into a rare frontier where oil and geothermal energy converge. Tullow Oil  first entered Kenya in 2010, striking the Ngamia-1 discovery well in 2012, which ignited hopes of the countr...

Medco Power Launches Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW of Clean Energy”

Medco Power  Kicks Off Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma Pasaman, West Sumatra – Indonesia’s transition to clean energy has reached another milestone as PT Medco Power Indonesia , through its subsidiary PT Medco Geothermal Sumatra,  officially began drilling its first geothermal exploration well in Bonjol, Pasaman Regency. The inaugural well, BNJ-1 , was spudded on 11 September 2025 in a ceremony attended by the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah ,  Medco Power President Director Eka Satria , local government leaders, traditional community representatives, and local stakeholders. A Step Toward 60 MW of Renewable Power This drilling marks the first of two planned wells, with a total estimated potential of 60 MW of clean electricity. The project, categorized as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects under the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL 2025–2034), is expected to be completed by the ...

From Iceland to the World: A Geothermal Engineer’s Journey

A Global Journey in Geothermal: Insights from an Industry Expert From Iceland’s pioneering geothermal plants to Kenya’s wellhead projects and Indonesia’s remote fields, few By: Robert Buluma Image: Lydur skulason with a geothermal well head  professionals have had as wide-ranging a journey in geothermal as Lydur Skulason With decades of hands-on experience in marine engineering, power plant operations, and international project management, he has combined technical expertise with global collaboration to help shape the sector’s growth. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his career, insights on geothermal innovation, and his vision for the future of clean energy. Career & Experience Can you walk us through your career in geothermal and how it began? I began my career in Iceland, where geothermal energy is a natural part of daily life and a cornerstone of the national energy system. After studying Marine Engineering and Mechanical Technology at  Reykjavik Univ...

Szczecin Launches Geothermal Drilling Project to Harness Clean Energy

Szczecin Bets on Geothermal Energy: Tender Announced for First Exploration Well By:  Robert Buluma On September 23, 2025, the city of Szczecin officially launched a tender for the construction of its first geothermal exploration well at Dąbska Street. This marks a major milestone in the city’s energy transition, as Szczecin looks to tap into the natural heat beneath its soil as a modern and sustainable energy source. Backed by National Environmental Funding The investment is valued at 12.9 million PLN, with most of the financing secured from the  National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW). The project is part of the national program “Making Thermal Waters Available in Poland”, which supports municipalities in exploring and utilizing geothermal energy for heating and power generation. Thanks to this funding, Szczecin plans to drill the Szczecin GT-2 well to a depth of nearly 2,000 meters. At this depth, experts expect to encounter geothermal water...

Indonesia Powers Ahead: PT SMI and Ormat Forge Strategic Alliance to Finance Geothermal Exploration”

Indonesia Powers Ahead:  PT SMI and  Ormat Join Forces to Finance Geothermal Exploration By:  Robert Buluma Jakarta, September 17, 2025   Indonesia has taken another decisive step toward achieving energy independence and sustainability. PT  Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) (PT SMI) , in partnership with PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia , has announced plans to explore potential financing for geothermal energy exploration in Wapsalit, Maluku and Toka Tindung, North Sulawesi . The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on the sidelines of the Indonesia International Geothermal Conference and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2025 at the Jakarta International Convention Center, witnessed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia . The MoU was formalized by Reynaldi Hermansjah , President Director of PT SMI, and Dion Murdiono , President Director of PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia , alongside senior executives  Sarana Mul...