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Menengai Geothermal Project Delays Expose Kenya’s Broken Steam Supply Model

Menengai’s Broken Promise: How Kenya’s Geothermal Model Lost the Steam Thematic image of the Olkaria Geothermal Field  Kenya’s Menengai geothermal project was sold as a model of modern public-private partnership. The state would carry the difficult and expensive burden of geothermal exploration and drilling. Private power producers would then build, own and operate power plants. Geothermal Development Company would supply the steam; the independent power producers would convert it into electricity; Kenya Power would buy the output. On paper, the arrangement was elegant. In practice, Menengai has exposed a far more uncomfortable reality: Kenya’s public steam-supply model is not delivering the certainty it promised. Menengai Phase I was designed to produce 105 megawatts from three 35 MW plants. GDC’s own project page says the three plants were awarded to Globeleq Menengai Geothermal, Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power and OrPower Twenty Two under a build-own-operate structure. Yet the ...

Zanskar Secures $115 Million to Redefine Geothermal Discovery with AI

Zanskar Secures $115 Million to Redefine Geothermal Discovery with AI By: Robert Buluma Image: Zanskar Secures $115 Million to Redefine Geothermal Discovery with AI The geothermal sector just crossed another psychological milestone. Zanskar , a U.S.-based geothermal developer blending hard geoscience with artificial intelligence, has raised $115 million in Series C financing, marking one of the most significant capital injections yet into AI-driven geothermal exploration. The raise propels the company into a new phase,moving decisively from discovery to grid-scale power generation across the Western United States. This latest round pushes Zanskar’s total equity funding to $180 million, a clear signal that investors now see geothermal not as a niche renewable, but as critical baseload infrastructure for the decades ahead. Big Capital Bets on AI-Native Geothermal The funding round was led by Spring Lane Capital , with continued backing from Obvious Ventures, Union Square Ventures , and...

Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Geothermal Future: UNDP Calls for Experts to Lead Groundbreaking Study

Unlocking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Geothermal Potential: A Golden Opportunity for Experts   By: Robert Buluma The global push for sustainable energy has ignited interest in geothermal resources, and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is the latest country stepping up to explore its underground energy reserves. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Development of a Study on the Geothermal Potential of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). This presents a lucrative opportunity for geothermal experts, energy consultants, and research institutions to shape the future of renewable energy in the region.   This is not the 80's when Geothermal Energy was being taxed as if it did not mean something, things have changed and it is getting similar incentives as other Renewables. What’s the Deal?   Published on January 29, 2025, this tender (Reference Number: UNDP-BIH-01166) seeks to assess, analyze, and ...

Ormat Drills 3 Exploratory Wells In A Pot Of Gold

Gold Meets Steam: A Game-Changing Geothermal Venture in North Sulawesi By: Robert Buluma : steam gushes orit of a geothermal well,wells of power In the heart of North Sulawesi's Bitung area, a groundbreaking partnership has emerged, one that promises to reshape both the energy and mining landscapes. The collaboration between Ormat, a global leader in geothermal technology, and Archi, a prominent gold mining company, is not just another business venture—it’s a bold statement of innovation and ambition. Established in early 2021, this joint venture is an intriguing fusion of resources and expertise. Archi, well-known for its operations in the gold-rich Toka Tindung area, is now diving into uncharted territory with geothermal energy. Ormat, on the other hand, has taken on the monumental task of managing the A-to-Z operations of this geothermal project. In return, Ormat will command a three-quarters share of the venture’s stakes, leaving Archi with a quarter—a reflection of the immense...

Tender: Reykjavik Energy To Drill 35 Geothermal Wells While Also Tapping Water

Orkuveitan’s Ambitious Geothermal Drilling Project: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future By :  Robert Buluma In a landmark move toward bolstering Iceland’s energy security and sustainability, Orkuveitan, the Reykjavik-based energy company, has launched a significant tender process for its latest geothermal drilling initiative. This project, which aims to drill 35 new exploratory and water extraction wells by the end of 2028, marks the largest water procurement venture in recent years. With its eyes set on a carbon-neutral future, Orkuveitan is taking a crucial step forward in ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s geothermal resources. The primary goal of this extensive drilling project is twofold: to secure long-term water supply for the nation’s heating needs and to explore new geothermal fields that hold potential for future development. The company’s approach to this project reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, utilizing electric drilling rigs to minimize...

Preliminary Survey and Geothermal Exploration Area Offer: Bora Pulu

Geothermal Exploration Opportunities in Central Sulawesi: The Bora Pulu Area By:  Robert Buluma The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources  ESDM has recently announced the opening of a tender for a geothermal exploration area in the Bora Pulu region, located in Sigi Regency and Palu City, Central Sulawesi. This is a significant opportunity for business entities engaged in the geothermal sector, offering a potential 52 MWe of geothermal reserves over an extensive area of 78,388 hectares. The Bora Pulu Geothermal WPSPE The geothermal Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment Area (WPSPE) named Bora Pulu represents a promising site for energy developers. The area is strategically located in Central Sulawesi, a region known for its geothermal potential. With possible reserves estimated at 52 MWe, this project could be a significant contributor to Indonesia's renewable energy goal Who Can Participate? The tender is open to business entities with experience in geothermal ener...

Colorado Vouches On Geothermal and Green Hydrogen

Colorado's Bold Leap Toward a Renewable Future: Geothermal and Hydrogen Power in the Spotlight By:  Robert Buluma In a monumental stride toward a greener future, Colorado is ambitiously setting its sights on achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. While wind and solar have long been the champions of this green revolution, the state is now exploring the untapped potential of geothermal and hydrogen power to bridge the final gap in its renewable energy quest. This pivotal shift promises not only to revolutionize the state's energy landscape but also to offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable power. A New Dawn: Geothermal Energy Rising Colorado's geological makeup, rich with subsurface heat, positions it as a prime candidate for geothermal energy development. Governor Jared Polis, a staunch advocate for geothermal, underscores the state's exceptional potential: "We happen to have great subsurface heat in Colorado." This seismological advantage...

France Makes It Easier To Go Geothermal With New Procedures

Accelerating Energy Transition: France Simplifies Geothermal Mining Procedures By: Robert Buluma In a bold move to expedite France's energy transition and bolster its supply security, Bruno Le Maire and Roland Lescure unveiled groundbreaking measures on April 12th, aimed at simplifying mining procedures. These measures are poised to pave the way for crucial projects vital to both energy transition and supply security. France boasts a rich subsoil teeming with essential resources pivotal for successful energy transition endeavors, such as geothermal energy, lithium, and copper. However, the exploitation of these resources has been hampered by lengthy bureaucratic procedures.  Unlocking Geothermal Potential: Geothermal energy, a renewable and carbon-neutral energy source, harnesses the thermal energy from the Earth's subterranean depths and aquifers. With 90% of the national territory suitable for geothermal exploitation, it stands as a prime candidate for scaling up renewable en...

Gluszyca Poland Starts To Drill Geothermal Research Wells

Unlocking Głuszyca's Hidden Treasure: The Quest for Geothermal Energy By: Robert Buluma Image: Warsaw Poland Głuszyca, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Lower Silesia, is on the brink of a groundbreaking transformation. A transformative project is underway, one that could potentially alter the town's landscape, economy, and future prospects. At the forefront of this endeavor lies a quest for geothermal energy, a venture that promises not just to harness natural resources but also to redefine Głuszyca's identity. The ambitious initiative aims to tap into thermal waters buried deep beneath the town's surface. Spearheaded by the Mayor of Głuszyca, Roman Głód, and backed by the Głuszyca Commune, this project has already set the wheels in motion for what could be a game-changer in the region's energy landscape. Unveiling the Geothermal Potential The journey began with meticulous planning and collaboration. Extensive research conducted by experts from AGH University o...

Ormat Awarded Rongkong Geothermal Exploration In Indonesia

Unveiling Indonesia's Geothermal Potential: A Thrilling Expedition into Sustainable Energy By: Robert Buluma Indonesia, a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, holds a treasure trove beneath its surface - geothermal energy.  As the world races towards sustainable solutions, Indonesia stands at the forefront, ready to unlock the power of its volcanic landscapes to fuel a cleaner, greener future. Picture this: steam rising majestically from the earth's crust, hinting at the immense energy waiting to be harnessed. Welcome to the world of geothermal energy, where nature's fury becomes mankind's salvation. In a recent announcement that sent shockwaves through the energy sector,  PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia has been chosen as the trailblazer for the Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment (PSPE) in the Rongkong area of Luwu Utara District, nestled in the scenic beauty of South Sulawesi Province. But what does this mean for Indonesia, and indeed, the w...

White Bark and Ceraphi Sign Head of Terms To Develop Australian Geothermal Energy

Unveiling the Future of Renewable Energy: Whitebark Energy and CeraPhi Energy Join Forces By: Robert Buluma A Ceraphi drilling rig , image source Ceraphi  In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy solutions, Whitebark Energy Limited has forged a strategic partnership with international Geothermal Developer CeraPhi Energy. This collaboration signals a significant step forward in Australia's energy transition, particularly in the realm of geothermal power. Whitebark's recent acquisition of an exploration license application for Geothermal Energy (EPG) in the Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast Region sets the stage for a pioneering endeavor. Covering approximately 589 square kilometers, this tenement holds immense potential for the generation and sale of geothermal power, positioning Whitebark as a key player in the region's renewable energy landscape. Central to this partnership is CeraPhi Energy's cutting-edge technology, the CeraPhiWell™. This revolutionary close...

Pertamina Geothermal Energy,GDC and AGIL to develop 200 MW Suswa ,Narok Geothermal Field

Pertamina Geothermal Energy, GDC, and AGIL Agree to Accelerate Development of 2 Geothermal Fields in Kenya By: Robert Buluma Nairobi, Kenya, March 8, 2024 – PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) has reached an agreement with Kenya's geothermal development companies, Geothermal Development Company Ltd. (GDC), and Africa Geothermal International Ltd. (AGIL), to expedite the development of geothermal fields in the African nation. Exploration of two geothermal fields in Kenya, developed by PGE along with its partners, is expected to commence in 2024. In high-level discussions held at GDC's headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday (3/6/2024), PGE and GDC discussed the support from the Kenyan government in accelerating the geothermal field development project in Suswa, a volcanic area located in Narok, Kenya. GDC is a government-owned geothermal developer in Kenya. The PGE delegation, led by President Director Julfi Hadi and accompanied by PGE's Director of Exploration and Develop...

Slatina-3 Geothermal Exploration License Slated For a 6 Months Extension onths

Unveiling Croatia's Geothermal Future: Cindrigo's Quest for Sustainable Energy By :  Robert Buluma  00:45 Nairobi  In the heart of Croatia's picturesque landscapes lies a venture that promises to reshape the nation's energy future. Cindrigo Holdings, a beacon of renewable energy innovation, is on a mission to unlock the potential of geothermal power with its ambitious Slatina 3 project. Picture this: the rolling hills of Croatia's countryside, where lush greenery meets the horizon, now dotted with the telltale signs of progress. Amidst this serene backdrop, Cindrigo's subsidiary, Dravacel, is making waves in the renewable energy sector by seeking a six-month extension for its exploration license. This pivotal move, aimed at propelling the Slatina 3 project forward, signals a new era of sustainable energy development in Croatia. But why all the buzz? It's simple - geothermal power holds the key to a cleaner, greener future. With its abundance of natural heat ...

Exploring Geothermal Energy, Hawaii's Renewable Energy Frontier

Exploring Geothermal Energy: Hawaii's Renewable Energy Frontier By :  Robert Buluma In a bold move towards achieving its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045, Hawaii is venturing into the realm of geothermal energy. With abundant sunshine and wind being intermittent resources, the state is now turning its attention to tapping into geothermal sources to bolster its energy portfolio. The Hawaii State’s Energy Office, led by Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick, is spearheading this initiative. Glick emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential of geothermal energy, stating, "For me, it’s a real priority for this office to better understand how far we can go with geothermal." To kickstart this endeavor, $5 million from COVID federal relief funds have been allocated for conducting slim hole drilling to explore geothermal reservoirs. The focus of this exploration will initially be on Maui, with promising signs indicating the presence of viable geothermal sources along ...

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Kaishan Targets 2 GW Kenya Geothermal Development Across Five Fields

Kaishan Targets 2 GW of Geothermal Development Across Kenya Kenya's geothermal sector has opened a potentially significant new chapter after Kaishan Group and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) signed a collaboration framework agreement covering five geothermal blocks in the East African Rift Valley. Signed in Nairobi on September 14, 2026 , the agreement establishes a framework for the two parties to explore potential joint development of Silali, Paka, Korosi, Baringo and Suswa . According to Kaishan, the five areas have potential to support approximately 2 GW of installed geothermal capacity . The headline figure is substantial, but it is important to distinguish between resource potential and committed generation capacity . The framework agreement is non-binding. The parties will first conduct due diligence, assess the resources and negotiate development plans before potentially signing separate binding agreements for individual geothermal blocks. The development coul...

Next-Gen Geothermal Funding 2026: VCs, Banks, Government Capital

Who Is Really Funding Next-Gen Geothermal in 2026? Next-generation geothermal has moved beyond laboratory research into a capital-intensive commercialization phase. In 2026, the most important financing is no longer coming from one investor category: venture capital funds are financing drilling, subsurface modelling and hardware; strategic energy companies are providing equipment, project access and market credibility; banks are beginning to lend against contracted projects; and governments are absorbing exploration and first-of-a-kind technology risk. The strongest financing activity is concentrated in the United States and Canada, but Europe is becoming increasingly important through Germany-based deployment, European Union grants, UK innovation support, and strategic participation from European energy companies. The central investment question is changing from “Can this technology work?” to “Can the developer deliver repeatable, financeable projects at commercial cost?” The 2026 fun...

Billionaire Families Bet on Advanced Geothermal Energy Investments

Billionaire Geothermal Families Bet on Geothermal Billionaire families and private investment offices are placing increasingly large bets on geothermal energy, especially on technologies designed to make the resource available in more locations. Their investments are helping finance enhanced geothermal systems, advanced drilling, closed-loop designs, and other approaches that could transform geothermal from a regionally concentrated power source into a globally scalable clean-energy industry. The investment surge reflects a broader change in the energy market. Electricity demand is rising because of artificial intelligence, data centers, industrial electrification, electric vehicles, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. At the same time, utilities and large corporations need power that is reliable around the clock. Solar and wind remain essential to the clean-energy transition, but their output varies with weather and time of day. Geothermal could complement these technologies ...

Arverne secures Limagne geothermal lithium permit to boost supply

Arverne expands geothermal asset portfolio with new lithium exploration permit in Auvergne Arverne secures 442.7 km² PER “Bassin de Limagne” near Clermont-Ferrand French geothermal developer Arverne (Euronext: ARVEN) has been granted an exclusive research permit (Permis Exclusif de Recherches, PER) for lithium and related substances covering the “Bassin de Limagne” in Puy‑de‑Dôme, Auvergne. The five‑year permit, announced 3 September 2026, spans 442.68 km² and adds to Arverne’s growing national portfolio of PERs: the company now holds nine permits in France, three of which are focused on lithium. The award underscores Arverne’s strategy to combine geothermal heat production with geothermal lithium extraction — an integrated model the company is already deploying elsewhere in France. For the Auvergne permit, Arverne emphasizes that the Bassin de Limagne area overlaps with its existing PER for the Riom‑Clermont‑Métropole, where 3D exploration studies have previously evaluated the subsurf...

France Geothermal Energy 2026: Heating, Power, Policy, Investment Growth

France's geothermal sector is at a crossroads. The country is Europe's undisputed leader in deep geothermal district heating, with the Paris Basin hosting the world's largest concentration of deep geothermal systems.  Yet geothermal still supplies only 1% of France's final heat consumption, and the Court of Auditors has warned that current ambitions are "unrealistic" without structural reform. ⚡ Deep Geothermal (Power Generation): Marginal Output, Major Potential Untapped France's geothermal power generation remains almost negligible. As of 2026, only two plants produce electricity: the Bouillante plant in Guadeloupe (15.5 MW) and the Soultz-sous-Forêt EGS pilot in Alsace (1.7 MW).  Total geothermal electricity production capacity was approximately 17.17 MW in 2023, forecast to reach just 19.47 MW by 2028. The Bouillante plant is set to double its production with a third unit scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026, making it an exemplary model for ...

Jicarilla Apache Geothermal Study Wins $2.5 Million Grant

Jicarilla Apache Nation Launches $2.5 Million Geothermal Feasibility Study The Jicarilla Apache Nation in northern New Mexico has launched a major investigation into its geothermal energy potential after receiving a $2.5 million grant from the State of New Mexico. The funding will support a detailed feasibility study examining whether underground heat resources on tribal lands could be developed for electricity generation, direct heating, or other energy applications. The initiative represents an important step in the Nation’s efforts to understand and diversify its energy resources. Although the Jicarilla Apache Nation has not yet committed to building a geothermal facility, the study could provide the geological, technical, and economic information required for future investment decisions. The project is particularly significant because the Nation already has extensive experience with subsurface exploration through its oil and gas activities. Existing geological records, drilling inf...

Global Geothermal Investment 2026: 15 High-Growth Markets

Global Geothermal Investment 2026: 15 Markets Where Developers Should Look Next Geothermal energy is entering its most investable decade yet, with developers, drilling contractors, turbine suppliers and private capital providers scanning a widening map of opportunities beyond the traditional “big five” producers.  This article profiles 15 markets where project pipelines, policy signals, resource quality and technology readiness converge to create compelling entry points in 2026 and beyond.  Why 2026 Is a Turning Point for Geothermal Capital Global geothermal investment is accelerating as governments seek firm, low‑carbon baseload to back up variable wind and solar, while advanced drilling and subsurface engineering lower costs and expand the resource base. Market analysts project the geothermal energy market to reach roughly USD 13.56 billion by 2030, up from about USD 9.81 billion in 2025, implying sustained double‑digit growth in development spend. Capital is flowing not onl...

Geothermal Funding, August ,September 2027 With Intelligence into 2028

Geothermal Funding in August and September 2027: Investment Outlook and Intelligence Into 2028 Geothermal funding in August and September 2027 is likely to focus on projects that can demonstrate commercial resource potential, credible drilling plans, secure offtake, and a clear path to construction. The market will increasingly move beyond broad technology experimentation toward financeable geothermal assets supported by government grants, development-finance institutions, strategic investors, utilities, and corporate power buyers. The most significant investment themes will likely include enhanced geothermal systems , exploration drilling, closed-loop geothermal , data-center power supply, conventional geothermal expansion in East Africa, and blended finance for emerging markets. By 2028, investors are expected to distinguish more sharply between companies with proven technical performance and those still dependent on laboratory results or unconfirmed resource estimates. The 2027 Fun...

UOS Exploration Drilling Advances Next-Generation Geothermal Development

Września GT-1: Poland Begins a New Geothermal Drilling Project for Local Heat Poland is moving another step toward expanding geothermal energy as a local heat source, with drilling now underway on the Września GT-1 geothermal exploration well in Greater Poland. The project, being carried out in Września, is designed to determine whether underground thermal water can provide a sufficiently reliable resource for the municipality's heating system. The planned well is expected to reach approximately 1,460 metres , with preliminary estimates indicating thermal water temperatures of around 53–54°C and a potential production rate of at least 250 m³/h . The project is being supported financially by Poland's National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) and forms part of a wider national programme supporting geothermal exploration across Poland. For Września, however, the drilling campaign is about more than simply finding hot water. The results could d...

Aulnay-sous-Bois Advances Geothermal Heating Project After 2,000m Drilling

Aulnay-sous-Bois Advances Its Geothermal Heating Project After Completing 2,000-Metre Drilling Aulnay-sous-Bois, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department of France’s Île-de-France region, has reached an important milestone in the development of its local geothermal heating network. After approximately four months of work, drilling for the city’s geothermal project was completed during the summer of 2026. The well reaches nearly 2,000 metres beneath the surface, where the project will access the Dogger aquifer. At this depth, naturally occurring geothermal water reaches temperatures of approximately 70°C. Once the facility becomes operational, the heat extracted from the aquifer is expected to supply most of the energy required by Aulnay-sous-Bois’s district heating network. The project is scheduled to enter service before the end of 2026. According to Groupe Coriance, the geothermal system is expected to cover 93% of the network’s requirements, produce approximately 140 GWh of heat each yea...