URI Embraces Geothermal Innovation: Ocean Frontiers Building to Run on Clean, Subsurface Energy By: Robert Buluma The University of Rhode Island (URI) is taking bold strides toward a low-carbon future — and geothermal energy is at the heart of its latest breakthrough.  As part of the Narragansett Bay Campus revitalization, the new Ocean Frontiers Building will be powered by a cutting-edge geothermal heating and cooling system, replacing the aging Horn Laboratory with a modern hub for ocean science research. With institutions around the world racing to decarbonize, URI’s geothermal leap stands as a model for sustainable campus infrastructure, demonstrating both scientific rigor and forward-thinking environmental stewardship. Tapping the Earth for Clean Power Beginning in early 2024, URI’s Facilities Group initiated discussions on integrating geothermal energy into the campus. After assessing feasibility, the team drilled an 850-foot geothermal test well — a deep subsurface p...

Halliburton  Awarded Lithium Well Project by  GeoFrame Energy   A Major Step Toward Sustainable Lithium and Geothermal Integration By:  Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking development for the U.S. energy sector,  Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) has been awarded a major contract by GeoFrame Energy for a geothermal and Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) project set to take shape in the Smackover Formation of East Texas. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for both the lithium and geothermal industries, combining innovation, sustainability, and proven engineering expertise. According to the announcement, Halliburton will plan and design the first demonstration phase wells, with work expected to commence in late 2025. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of America’s domestic lithium production capacity  a critical step as global demand for lithium continues to surge due to the rapid growth of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.  “G...

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...