Alphaxioms Geothermal News and Related Research Globally

Geothermal Energy in the US: A Clean Energy Powerhouse with Tax Incentive Parity By:  Robert Buluma Image credit; Terry Rodgers on LinkedIn The global shift toward renewable energy is rapidly evolving, with geothermal energy finally stepping into the spotlight as a clean, reliable, and sustainable power source. In the United States, a significant leap was taken to elevate geothermal's prominence alongside other renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, through expanded tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA).   This tax incentives will help companies like Eavor to go beyond what they unleashed in the previous year. This move marks a pivotal moment for geothermal energy, aligning it with the same 30% tax credit offered to wind and solar projects. The newfound parity demonstrates the Biden administration's commitment to an inclusive approach to tackling climate change. Geothermal, with its ability to provide consistent, baseload energy, offers...

Request for Proposal: Surface Geothermal Studies for Meru Geothermal Field in Northern Tanzania By: Robert Buluma Image: Tanzanian Elephants cruising through North Tanzania insearch of water and much greener savanna The renewable energy sector in East Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with geothermal energy emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Among the region’s most promising geothermal sites is the Meru Geothermal Field in Northern Tanzania. To unlock this resource's potential, a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for surface geothermal studies, inviting experienced firms and consultants to participate. Just a few hours we were hot with news for Songwe Geothermal call for investors  , getting into this current status at Meru its obvious Tanzania is not mincing when it comes to tapping the heat beneath our feet. Objectives of the RFP The key objective of the RFP is to conduct detailed surface geothermal studies to evaluate the resource potential of the ...

Unlocking Tanzania's Hidden Energy Potential: Investment Opportunities in Songwe Geothermal Field By:  Robert Buluma Image: Simba Marara in Tanzania,just making sure the pride is well secured Nestled in the heart of Tanzania's Songwe region lies a geothermal treasure waiting to be tapped. With hot springs boasting temperatures between 75-85°C, the Songwe Geothermal Field presents a golden opportunity to revolutionize the region's energy landscape, spur economic growth, and position Tanzania as a key player in the renewable energy sector. Tanzania is on the verge of introducing 30 Mwe of energy into its grid  from Geothermal and this call from Ngozi is a testament of full steam ahead. The Promise of Geothermal Energy  Geothermal energy is one of the most reliable and sustainable energy sources, and Songwe’s hot springs hold immense untapped potential. Harnessing this resource can provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and pave the ...

Turkana County Government and Geothermal Development Company Sign Collaborative Framework Agreement for Geothermal Development By : Robert Buluma In an exciting development for the region, the Turkana County Government and the Geothermal Development Company  GDC have signed a groundbreaking Collaborative Framework Agreement (CFA). The agreement marks a major milestone in the pursuit of harnessing Turkana County’s geothermal potential, opening doors to significant economic growth and opportunities for the local community. Key Areas of Collaboration The CFA outlines several strategic areas where both parties will collaborate to unlock the full potential of Turkana's geothermal resources. These key points include: Joint Marketing of Geothermal Opportunities : Both parties will work together to promote and market geothermal opportunities in the region to attract investment and expertise. Collaboration in Scientific Surface Studies : A strong focus will be placed on conducting in-d...

El Salvador Mines 474 Bitcoin Worth $29 Million with Volcano-Fueled Geothermal Power By:  Robert Buluma El Salvador is revolutionizing cryptocurrency mining by harnessing the natural power of its volcanoes. Since 2021, the Central American nation has mined an impressive 474 Bitcoins using geothermal energy derived from the Tecapa volcano, valued at approximately $29 million at current Bitcoin prices.   A Renewable Energy-Powered Breakthrough   This groundbreaking initiative is part of El Salvador’s larger strategy to merge cryptocurrency with renewable energy. Geothermal energy, which accounts for 25% of the country's electricity production, plays a crucial role in powering these operations. The state-owned geothermal company, LaGeo, operates two major plants that generate a combined 204 megawatts of power. From this capacity, 1.5 megawatts are used to sustain the mining of Bitcoin, a process often criticized globally for its energy consumption and environmental...

UK Allocates £10 Million to Accelerate Grenada’s Green Energy Transition By:  Robert Buluma Grenada has received a significant boost in its journey toward sustainable energy solutions, thanks to a £10 million investment from the UK government. The announcement was made during a meeting between Baroness Chapman, the UK Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in St. George’s.   This funding will be directed toward Grenada’s Geothermal Energy Development Project, which aims to explore the viability of the country’s geothermal resources. If successful, this initiative could reduce Grenada’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and lay the groundwork for locally sourced, cost-effective, and climate-resilient energy solutions.   A Major Step Toward Energy Independence   Baroness Chapman emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, *“I am thrilled to announce £10m in new funding, which is support...

Unlocking Geothermal Energy in Saudi Arabia: From Geology to Techno-Economic Analysis By:  Robert Buluma Saudi Arabia is poised to become a global leader in renewable energy, with geothermal energy emerging as a viable and sustainable option. While the Kingdom has long relied on fossil fuels, the nation's ambitious Vision 2030 plan highlights a shift towards clean energy, such as wind, solar, and now geothermal power. The Untapped Potential of Geothermal Energy in KSA Geologically, Saudi Arabia is endowed with significant geothermal energy resources, particularly along the Red Sea Rift Basin. This area is characterized by high heat flow from the Earth's depths, offering an ideal setting for geothermal energy development. These resources can provide sustainable baseload energy for various applications, including electricity generation, district heating and cooling, and water desalination—critical in a region where water scarcity is a pressing issue. By tapping into geothermal re...

The Rising Potential of Geothermal Energy: Insights from the  IEA The Internationa geel Energy Agency  (IEA) has shed light on the transformative potential of geothermal energy in its latest report. As a clean, renewable resource, geothermal is uniquely positioned to play a vital role in achieving global climate goals, thanks to its reliability and diverse applications. The report emphasizes the urgent need for investments, technological innovation, and supportive policies to maximize geothermal's contribution to the energy transition. Earlier on we reported on the agencies deep dive into critical minerals and we are fascinated to keep our readers on track. Current Status and Future Projections Geothermal energy is currently underutilized, generating 67 TWh of electricity annually. However, with enhanced deployment strategies, this figure could soar to 1,400 TWh by 2050. Additionally, direct applications of geothermal heat could rise to 1,600 TWh annually. This growth would s...

Chinese-Funded 35MW Geothermal Plant: A Leap Toward Clean Energy Access in Kenya By:  Robert Buluma In a historic moment underscoring Kenya's commitment to sustainable energy, Kenyan President William Ruto fired up a bulldozer on October 24, 2024, to break ground for a new 35-megawatt geothermal power plant in Nakuru County. This $90 million project, dubbed the Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant, is set to fuel Kenya’s drive towards a greener future and unlock vast potential for clean energy in the region. The plant, which will be constructed through a partnership between Kenya and the Chinese-based Kaishan Group Co. Ltd., is a landmark in Kenya’s journey to achieving a 100% green national electricity grid by 2030. This bold project is not just a milestone for clean energy but also a powerful testament to Kenya's role as a leader in Africa’s green revolution. A Visionary Partnership for a Greener Kenya This groundbreaking endeavor is only possible thanks to Kenya’s supportive bu...

Mitsubishi Power to Boost Indonesia’s Geothermal Potential with Darajat Plant Retrofit By :  Robert Buluma The Darajat Geothermal power plant by Mitsubishi In a move to strengthen Indonesia's renewable energy sector, Mitsubishi Power, the renowned power solutions division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has announced a major upgrade project for the Darajat Geothermal Power Plant, located in Garut, West Java. This ambitious retrofitting initiative, expected to wrap up in autumn 2026, is set to enhance the plant’s output and improve its operational reliability, propelling Indonesia closer to its sustainability goals. A Game-Changer in Sustainable Energy The Darajat Geothermal Power Plant, operated by Star Energy Geothermal Darajat II (SEG), has been a cornerstone of Indonesia's renewable energy infrastructure. Now, with the planned retrofit of Unit 3, Mitsubishi Power aims to increase the plant's power output from 121 megawatts (MW) to 129 MW, providing cleaner and more...

Cowi  to Spearhead 100MW Geothermal Power Plant Expansion in Iceland: A Leap Toward Renewable Innovation By:  Robert Buluma In a major stride toward sustainable energy development, Cowi , a leading engineering firm, has secured the design contract for the expansion of the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant in Iceland. This ambitious project, driven by ON Power , will see the plant's capacity increase by 100MW, further solidifying Iceland's commitment to harnessing its geothermal potential.  The Hellisheidi plant, located just 18km from Reykjavik, serves as a cornerstone for Iceland's energy landscape, providing both electricity and hot water for domestic heating. With the ongoing expansion, the plant’s heating output will rise from 200MW to 300MW, ensuring more homes and businesses in Reykjavik benefit from geothermal energy. A Legacy of Excellence Cowi's  involvement in the Hellisheidi project dates back to its early phases, when the firm, formerly known as Mannvit ...

Baseload Capital Secures €53M in Series B Funding: A Major Leap for Geothermal Energy In a powerful stride towards revolutionizing the global energy landscape, Baseload Capital Sweden AB has successfully closed a €53 million Series B funding round. This monumental achievement signals a significant leap in scaling up geothermal energy—one of the world’s largest untapped and sustainable energy resources. The Power Behind the Funding Leading the charge in this Series B round is ENGF, a distinguished infrastructure fund backed by Ingka Investments, the financial powerhouse of the Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer. The round also attracted investments from energy technology giant Baker Hughes, Nefco, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Gullspång Invest. This robust investment lineup underscores the growing confidence in Baseload Capital's vision to unlock the geothermal energy sector's potential on a global scale. A Vision to Transform the Energy Sector Baseload Capital is not ju...

Pioneering Energy Innovation: Exergy and PT PLN Indonesia Forge a Groundbreaking Partnership By: Robert Buluma In a world increasingly driven by the urgency of climate action, Exergy and PT PLN Indonesia have embarked on a visionary partnership that promises to redefine energy efficiency in the region. This collaboration, centered on the innovative use of waste heat recovery (WHR) technology, is not just another step in the evolution of sustainable energy—it’s a leap. Imagine harnessing the heat typically lost in power generation and converting it into something truly valuable: electricity. This is precisely what Exergy's state-of-the-art Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems are designed to do. By capturing waste heat from gas turbines and engines, these systems can transform what would have been wasted energy into a powerful resource, reducing the need for fossil fuels and cutting down on harmful emissions. But this partnership is about more than just technology—it's about the ...

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...