Alphaxioms Geothermal News and Related Research Globally

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 in

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 car

Sage Geosystems and Meta Unveil a Groundbreaking Geothermal Power Partnership: A New Era of Clean Energy Innovation By: Robert Buluma In an unprecedented move that promises to reshape the landscape of renewable energy in the United States, Sage Geosystems (Sage) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) have announced a pioneering agreement to harness the power of next-generation geothermal energy. This partnership, revealed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Catalyzing Next Generation Geothermal Development Workshop, marks the first implementation of advanced geothermal power east of the Rocky Mountains—a milestone that could catalyze a seismic shift in how we meet our growing energy demands. The deal between Sage and Meta, which aims to deliver up to 150 MW of new geothermal baseload power to support Meta’s rapidly expanding data centers, is more than just a business agreement. It is a statement of intent, showcasing the critical role that clean, firm, and resilient power sources will pl

"Harnessing the Power Beneath: TU Freiberg's New Master's Program in Geothermal Energy" By:  Robert Buluma The earth beneath our feet is more than just solid ground—it's a reservoir of untapped potential. With the global push towards sustainable energy solutions, geothermal energy has emerged as a promising frontier. Recognizing this, the Technische Universität (TU) Bergakademie Freiberg is launching an exciting new Master's program in Geothermal Energy, beginning in the summer semester of 2025.  "Geothermal energy is a growth market," says Professor Traugott Scheytt, the program's director. This assertion is not just rhetoric; it's a vision that TU Freiberg is turning into reality. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to forge successful careers in this burgeoning field. But this isn't your average graduate program. Students will have the opportunity to craft a highly individualized specializatio

China's Largest Geothermal Heating Project Cluster in Jing-Jin-Ji Takes a Leap Forward By: Robert Buluma Photo Credit: Theodore on unsplash On July 29, 2024, a significant milestone was reached in China's quest for clean energy. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced the approval of two pilot geothermal heating projects in Xianghe County and Dachang Hui Autonomous County. These projects, part of the largest geothermal heating cluster in the Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) region, mark a significant step forward in China's clean energy transition. Geothermal energy, with its abundant reserves, stable output, high utilization efficiency, and economic feasibility, stands out as a key player in China’s renewable energy strategy. Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy does not emit greenhouse gases, making it an ideal candidate for the country’s ambitious carbon reduction goals under the "Dual Carbon" strategy.  Recognizing the potential of geoth

White Bark 's Ambitious Geothermal Vision: Pioneering Australia's Future in Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma In the vast and resource-rich lands of Queensland's Cooper Basin ,  White Bark Energy is spearheading a transformation that could redefine Australia’s energy landscape. With its recent acquisition of an additional 1,250 sub-blocks for geothermal exploration, the company is not just expanding its footprint but solidifying its role as a leader in the nation's clean energy future. White Bark Energy  latest exploration permit, a sprawling 3,873 square kilometers of geothermal potential, represents more than just new territory. It’s a strategic move in a well-calculated plan to harness the untapped geothermal power beneath Queensland's surface. This new permit complements  White Bark's two existing licenses, creating a robust geothermal network that aligns with the Australian Government’s aggressive push towards renewable energy. The government’s $11.2 billio

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 energy, u

Kenya's Bold Bid: A Game-Changer for Global Geothermal Leadership By: Robert Buluma Image credit from Alphaxioms previous articles  In a thrilling announcement that has reverberated across the energy sector, Kenya has officially launched its bid to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) in 2029. This prestigious global forum, held every three years, aims to scale up the deployment of geothermal energy worldwide. The bid underscores Kenya's commitment to renewable energy and cements its leadership in the sector. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira made the announcement during the 2024 Kenya Geothermal Congress in Nairobi, a gathering that has drawn industry leaders, academics, financiers, government officials, NGOs, and community representatives. Wachira emphasized that hosting WGC 2029 will not only position Kenya as a continental leader but also as a formidable player on the global stage. "Hosting the WGC 2029 will give us a competitive edge, bolstering our position

Shaping the Future of Geothermal Energy: Join the Alberta Drilling Accelerator Initiative By: Robert Buluma Imagine a world where the untapped potential of geothermal energy is fully harnessed, propelling us into a future where clean, sustainable power is the norm. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to a groundbreaking initiative led by Eavor Technologies, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA), and the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CADEC). They are seeking your invaluable input on the creation of the Alberta Drilling Accelerator (ADA), a pioneering project poised to revolutionize geothermal drilling technology. The First of Its Kind: A Geothermal Drilling Technology Incubator The Alberta Drilling Accelerator is Canada's first geothermal drilling technology incubator, designed as an open-access platform where the global geothermal community can come together to innovate, test, and commercialize new dril

Exergy  and  Rentco Ignite a Geothermal Revolution in Olkaria: A New Era for Clean Energy in Africa By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move set to redefine Kenya's geothermal landscape,  Exergy and  Rentco have inked a cooperation agreement to turbocharge the Olkaria Geothermal Field with an additional 67 MWe capacity. This ambitious project promises not just incremental gains, but a seismic shift in the region's energy dynamics, signaling a bold new chapter in Africa's clean energy saga. Exergy , renowned for its cutting-edge technology and robust portfolio boasting 500 MW capacity, will supply 8 Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants, contributing approximately 30 MWe to the project. These ORC plants are part of Rentco 's geothermal wellhead projects in Olkaria, designed to harness both flash and ORC systems, optimizing energy extraction from geothermal resources. The strategic deployment of Exergy’s highly efficient Radial Outflow Turbine (ROT) technology wil

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

Energy Permitting Legislation from Senators Manchin & Barrasso Will Advance Geothermal in US By: Robert Buluma Accelarated NEPA timelines In a significant step towards a cleaner energy future, the U.S. Senate has introduced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, a transformative piece of legislation that promises to revolutionize the geothermal energy sector. This landmark bill, incorporating crucial elements of the bipartisan Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act of 2024, aims to streamline the permitting process for geothermal projects, significantly accelerating their development across the country .  Eavor Technologies Inc., a leader in advanced geothermal solutions, has hailed this legislation as a major breakthrough. Jeanine Vany, Eavor's co-founder and executive vice president of corporate affairs, expressed enthusiastic support, highlighting how the bill will facilitate the deployment of Eavor's groundbreaking closed-loop geothermal technology. This innovative