ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

The Quiet Revolution Underground: How an Oil Giant Drilled 4 Miles Deep for Geothermal Heat And What It Means for the Future of Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma  Date:March 6, 2026 Imagine this: In the flat, oil-soaked plains of Weld County, Colorado—where drilling rigs have long been synonymous with fossil fuels—a massive rig rises quietly last spring. No fanfare, no press releases blasting headlines. Just Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) , the oil behemoth better known for pumping black gold, sinking twin boreholes nearly four miles (about 20,000 feet) into the Earth. Not for oil or gas this time—but for something far more revolutionary: limitless, carbon-free heat from the planet's depths. Completed in under six weeks starting April 2025, this secretive project—dubbed GLADE (Geothermal Limitless Approach to Drilling Efficiencies)—has sent ripples through the geothermal world. Backed by a $9 million U.S. Department of Energy grant from 2022, GLADE wasn't about extracting hydrocarb...

Fervo Energy Pushes Boundaries with 15,000-FT, 500°F Geothermal Well — Ushering in a New Era for Enhanced Geothermal Systems June 10, 2025 – By Robert Buluma In a stunning feat of engineering and innovation, Fervo Energy has announced the successful drilling and logging of its Sugarloaf appraisal well, marking a monumental leap in the advancement of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Clocking in at an impressive 15,765 feet of true vertical depth and aiming for a bottomhole temperature of 520°F , this well not only sets new records but also firmly positions geothermal energy as a major player in the clean energy race. Breaking Records, Redefining Possibilities What makes this well particularly revolutionary is Fervo’s drastic 79% reduction in drilling time — completing the ultradeep well in just 16 days compared to the U.S. Department of Energy’s baseline expectations. Along the way, the company shattered several drilling records, including: Bit run length: 3,290 feet Average rate...

A Silent Energy Revolution is Underway Robert Buluma Image: Fumaroles emanating from the ground, a geothermal manifestation, credit: unsplash The global energy landscape is shifting. While solar and wind have dominated discussions on renewable energy, a new powerhouse is emerging  geothermal energy . Backed by investments from tech giants, oil majors, and governments, geothermal is quietly positioning itself as the next trillion-dollar industry. With the potential to replace fossil fuels, reshape economies, and revolutionize energy grids , geothermal is no longer a niche sector it’s the future of energy . In this article, we’ll explore why geothermal energy is set to explode, the key players driving this shift, and how it could disrupt traditional energy markets . The Key Players Betting on Geothermal Geothermal energy is no longer just the domain of specialized companies. Big Tech, oil giants, and governments are now pouring billions into the sector, recognizing its potential...

Fervo Energy  Secures $255 Million to Power the Next Generation of Geothermal Energy Robert Buluma As the global push for sustainable energy solutions intensifies,  Fervo Energy has emerged as a trailblazer in revolutionizing geothermal technology. On December 19, 2024, Fervo announced a monumental achievement—securing $255 million in funding to accelerate the development of its enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). This groundbreaking initiative positions Fervo as a leader in the race to meet the soaring demand for 24/7 carbon-free energy.  A Leap Towards Energy Innovation   The funding includes $135 million in corporate equity, spearheaded by Capricorn’s Technology Impact Fund II, alongside investments from esteemed entities like Breakthrough Energy Ventures and CPP Investments. A $120 million credit facility from Mercuria further bolsters Fervo’s financial foundation, ensuring the rapid deployment of EGS projects across the United States.   Fervo ...

Fervo Energy Secures Landmark 320 MW Power Purchase Agreements with Southern California Edison By: Robert Buluma In a move that underscores the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, Fervo Energy, a pioneer in next-generation geothermal technology, has announced two monumental power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Southern California Edison (SCE). Totalling 320 MW, these agreements represent the world's largest geothermal PPAs to date, cementing geothermal energy's critical role in the transition to a cleaner energy future. A Milestone in Clean Energy Set against the backdrop of California's ambitious clean energy goals, the 15-year agreements will see SCE purchasing 24/7 carbon-free geothermal energy from Fervo's Cape Station project in southwest Utah. This power will serve approximately 350,000 homes across Southern California, bolstering the state's grid reliability with a steady supply of renewable energy. David Hochschild, Chair of the California Ener...

Google’s Bold Step Towards Carbon-Free Energy: A Geothermal Power Partnership with Buffett's NV Energy By: Robert Buluma In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Alphabet Inc.'s Google has forged a partnership with Nevada’s utility giant, NV Energy, and the innovative geothermal startup, Fervo Energy. This collaboration marks a strategic effort to power Google’s data centers using clean, renewable energy derived from the Earth's heat. Harnessing Earth's Heat for Tech Giants Geothermal energy, unlike its solar and wind counterparts, offers a distinct advantage: it can operate continuously, providing a steady stream of electricity 24/7. By tapping into the heat stored in underground rocks, geothermal plants generate electricity without any carbon emissions. Fervo Energy employs advanced horizontal drilling techniques within geothermal reservoirs to maximize energy output, making this source of energy even more efficient. Powering the Future with Geothermal Energy...

Unleashing the Power of Earth:  Turboden and  Fervo Energy Partner to Revolutionize Geothermal Energy By: Robert Buluma In the heart of the rugged landscapes of southwest Utah, a groundbreaking collaboration is underway to harness the Earth's natural heat and propel the world towards a greener, more sustainable future. Turboden , a trailblazer in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, has joined forces with Fervo Energy , a pioneer in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), to embark on an ambitious journey towards redefining geothermal energy production. The Cape Station project stands as a testament to this alliance, marking Fervo Energy largest commercial endeavor in the geothermal energy sector to date. Positioned to become a beacon of innovation, Cape Station aims to revolutionize the way we harness energy from beneath the Earth's surface, with an anticipated total project capacity of approximately 400 MW. This endeavor not only symbolizes a transformative leap towards carbon-...

Breaking Down Barriers: The GEO Act Paves the Way for Geothermal Energy Revolution By: Robert Buluma In a bipartisan effort to revolutionize America's energy landscape, Senator Mike Lee, alongside Senators Martin Heinrich, James Risch, and Catherine Cortez Masto, has introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act. This groundbreaking legislation aims to accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide, unlocking its full potential as a clean, reliable, and versatile source of power. Geothermal energy holds the promise of complementing intermittent renewables like wind and solar, providing a stable source of baseload power. Unlike traditional perceptions that limit geothermal to hot regions, next-generation technologies can be deployed across a wider range of climates, offering a decentralized solution tailored to local energy demands. Moreover, geothermal energy isn't just about electricity generation; it's about creating new pathways to high-paying jobs, su...

Fervo Energy Secures $244 Million to Revolutionize Geothermal Energy Houston, TX (February 29, 2024) By : Robert Buluma Fervo Energy, the trailblazer in next-generation geothermal development, has recently announced a significant milestone in its journey – securing a whopping $244 million in new funding. Spearheaded by Devon Energy, a prominent figure in the realm of shale oil and gas, this investment marks a pivotal moment for Fervo Energy and the future of sustainable energy production. The infusion of capital will empower Fervo Energy to accelerate the deployment of its cutting-edge technology, which draws upon proven methodologies from the oil and gas sector, to establish commercially viable 24/7 carbon-free energy solutions. With sustainability at the forefront of global concerns, Fervo's innovative approach comes at a crucial time, offering a promising alternative to traditional energy sources. Joining Devon Energy in this groundbreaking funding round are several esteemed par...

Biden Administration Invests $60M in Geothermal Energy Projects In a significant move towards combating climate change and promoting renewable energy, the Biden administration has allocated $60 million towards three geothermal energy pilot projects. Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from the Earth's core, providing a carbon-free source of power that doesn't emit greenhouse gases. This investment aims to demonstrate the viability of utilizing geothermal energy on a larger scale, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. Details of the Projects: The three projects selected to receive federal funding are diverse in location and scope. The Chevron New Energies project in California, the Fervo Energy project in Utah, and the Mazama Energy project in Oregon will each play a crucial role in showcasing the effectiveness of geothermal energy from man-made reservoirs. These initiatives are not only aimed at generating electricity but also at providing heat for ...

  Revolutionizing Renewable Energy: Fervo Energy's Breakthrough in Geothermal Drilling In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the spotlight often falls on solar and wind power. However, there's another renewable energy source quietly gaining momentum: geothermal energy. Fervo Energy, a pioneering company based in Palo Alto, California, is leading the charge in revolutionizing geothermal energy production through groundbreaking advancements in drilling technology. Unlocking the Power of the Earth Geothermal energy harnesses the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity. Traditionally, accessing this heat has been a costly and challenging endeavor, often limited to regions with accessible geothermal reservoirs. Fervo Energy is changing this narrative by developing innovative techniques to tap into deeper, hotter geothermal resources, making previously inaccessible areas viable for geothermal energy production. Breaking Barriers with Enha...