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MB Centuary sells a drilling rig

MB Century sells Rig 32 to Webster Energy Services: what the move means for New Zealand geothermal drilling MB Century and Webster Energy Services have agreed the sale of MB Century’s Drillmec HH350 drilling rig, Rig 32, with completion slated for December 2026 after the rig finishes its current campaign for Tūaropaki Power Company. The transaction signals a strategic shift for MB Century,moving away from direct drilling ownership toward concentrating on engineering, reservoir and technical services,while Webster Energy uses the acquisition to deepen its footprint in the New Zealand geothermal market. This article summarises the deal, then drills into the operational, market and workforce implications for New Zealand’s geothermal sector, the strategic logic for both companies, and what the transaction suggests about capacity, competition and future drilling trends. Deal overview and timeline Parties: MB Century (seller) and Webster Energy Services (buyer). - Asset: Drillmec HH350 rig k...

KenGen Secures Fourth Investor for Olkaria Green Energy Park

The recent signing of an agreement between Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and Synergetic Development Group marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's push toward sustainable industrialization.  Image:  Image Credit: Nexaxioms Announced on March 15, 2026, this deal brings the fourth investor to the KenGen Green Energy Park in Olkaria, Naivasha, solidifying the site's role as a hub for green manufacturing and energy-intensive industries. KenGen, Kenya's leading electricity producer, has positioned the Green Energy Park as a special economic zone (SEZ) leveraging the country's abundant geothermal resources. The park provides reliable, competitively priced clean energy, land, and water to attract investors focused on sustainable operations. This latest partnership involves Synergetic Development Group establishing an integrated logistics center for steel products combined with a steel fabrication plant. The investor will access 18 MW of geothermal power, 10 acres of ...

“KenGen’s Silica Gambit: Turning Olkaria’s Geothermal Brine into Industrial Gold.”

  From Steam to Silicon: KenGen’s Bold Move to Extract Silica from Geothermal Brine at Olka ria By:  Robert Buluma Deep beneath the volcanic heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley lies a resource that has powered the nation for decades. The geothermal reservoirs of Olkaria have long been known for their immense energy potential, supplying reliable baseload electricity that has transformed Kenya into one of the global leaders in geothermal power generation. But what if geothermal energy could offer more than electricity? What if the hot fluids that power turbines could also yield valuable industrial minerals? That is the ambitious question now being explored by ( KenGen ), which has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of a semi-industrial silica extraction plant from geothermal brine at the Olkaria Geothermal Project . If successful, this initiative could mark a turning point—not only for Kenya’s geothermal sector but for the global geothermal industry itself. It...

KenGen Accelerates Geothermal Efficiency: RFP Launched for Olkaria Topping Units

KenGen’s Olkaria Topping Units: A Strategic Leap for Kenya’s Geothermal Dominance By: Robert Buluma Image: Kengen Olkaria Field Kenya’s geothermal sector is once again stepping into a higher gear. The release of the RFP for Olkaria Topping Units under reference KGN-BDD-001-2026 signals a bold strategic move by KenGen to maximize steam efficiency, increase power output, and reinforce Kenya’s leadership in geothermal development across Africa. What Are Olkaria Topping Units — And Why Do They Matter? Located in the prolific Olkaria geothermal complex within the Great Rift Valley, the project introduces topping units designed to extract additional energy from high-pressure steam before it enters existing power plants. This is not just an upgrade , it is optimization at scale. Topping units: Increase overall plant efficiency Utilize excess high-pressure steam Enhance megawatt output without drilling entirely new fields Improve return on existing geothermal infrastructure In a capital-inten...

KenGen Reconstitutes Its Board of Consultants,EOI

KenGen Reconstitutes Its Board of Consultants: Strengthening Kenya’s Geothermal Ambition Toward 1,267 MW by 2041 Kenya’s geothermal ambition is no longer just about drilling deeper wells or adding incremental megawatts. It is about governance, technical precision, and long-term strategic stewardship. In a decisive move, Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has issued an Open International Expression of Interest (EOI) – KGN-GDD-043-2026 to recruit and reconstitute its Board of Consultants. At first glance, it may appear as a standard procurement notice. But in reality, it represents something far more significant: a deliberate strengthening of institutional technical capacity at a time when Kenya’s geothermal trajectory is accelerating. This is not just recruitment. This is structural reinforcement. Kenya’s Geothermal Backbone KenGen is the backbone of Kenya’s power generation landscape. The company produces approximately 73.58% of the country’s installed electricity capa...

Kenya’s Geothermal Power Fuels Africa’s First Green Ammonia Revolution

From Steam to Soil:  KenGen and Kaishan Pioneer Kenya’s Green Ammonia Revolution By:  Robert Buluma Kenya is taking a bold step toward green industrialization. In a landmark collaboration, KenGen and Kaishan  Group have teamed up to develop Africa’s first large-scale geothermal-powered green ammonia and fertilizer plant at Olkaria in Naivasha. The project, valued at around $800 million , will utilize 165 MW of geothermal steam and power supplied by KenGen under a 30-year agreement. Kaishan’s subsidiary, Kaishan Terra Green Ammonia Limited , will construct and operate the facility, which is expected to produce over 100,000 tons of green ammonia annually—processed into fertilizer products like urea and ammonium nitrate. Transforming Kenya’s Energy and Agricultural Landscape This project marks a turning point for Kenya’s geothermal sector. It extends the value of geothermal energy beyond electricity generation, proving that steam can fuel not just turbines—but also ...

KenGen's Profit Soars by 79%: Geothermal Energy Powers Kenya's Green Future

KenGen’s Remarkable Half-Year Profit Growth: A Testament to Geothermal Energy's Potential By:  Robert Buluma A picture of an Olkarian Giraffe in KenGen Olkaria poised taking a glimpse of Mercy Rono's lense in the Geothermal Field In a groundbreaking financial report released on February 6, 2025, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) PLC announced a remarkable 79% growth in its half-year profit. This milestone underscores KenGen's resilience and leadership in the energy sector, particularly its commitment to renewable energy, with geothermal energy taking center stage.   Driving Growth Through Geothermal Energy   Given that Kenya is geographically located in the Great Rift Valley geothermal well endowed section of the world  it is much easier  For the country to surpass the 1 GW geothermal mark and even disrupt the global geothermal market. Give that companies like Kengen are the main pivots in this field KenGen’s net profit soared to Ksh.5....

Kenya Bids To Host World Geothermal Congress Come 2029

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...

Toshiba and SEPCO to Uprate Kengens Olkaria 1 To 65 MW From 45 MW

KenGen Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revamp Oldest Geothermal Power Plant, Paving the Way for a Greener Future By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move towards bolstering Kenya's renewable energy sector, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has announced a landmark initiative to upgrade the country's oldest geothermal power plant. Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning global push towards sustainable energy solutions, this endeavor marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's journey towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future. The Olkaria I geothermal power plant, a venerable institution in Kenya's energy landscape, is poised to undergo a transformative overhaul aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and significantly boosting its electricity generation capacity. KenGen's ambitious vision entails elevating the plant's output from its current 45MW to a robust 63MW, representing a remarkable stride towards meeting the nation's escala...

KenGen To Utilize Greenfire Closed Loop Technology In It's Geothermal Fields

KenGen Embraces Greenfire Closed-Loop Technology: A Leap Towards Sustainable Energy in Kenya By: Robert Buluma The Carlifornia Geysers where Greenfire Energy closed loop it's steam dominated green technology image by Calpine Corporation  In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, KenGen, Kenya's leading energy producer, recently embarked on a journey of innovation by implementing Greenfire closed-loop technology in its fields. This transformative step signifies a pivotal moment in Kenya's energy landscape, promising not only increased efficiency but also a significant reduction in environmental impact. Nestled within the heart of Oklahoma City lies the Baker Hughes innovation center, where KenGen's executives recently embarked on a journey of discovery. Amidst the cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking innovations, they found the answer to their quest for a sustainable future: Greenfire closed-loop technology. Image: Rob Wenner, Sam Sainju and the KenGen team ...

KenGens Olkaria Green Park In Search For Strategic Investors

Exploring Investment Opportunities in Kenya's Green Energy Sector: A Guide to KenGen's Onboarding at Olkaria Green Park By: Robert Buluma Are you an investor looking to capitalize on the booming renewable energy market in Kenya? Look no further than KenGen's Greens Energy Park in Olkaria, Naivasha. With continuous onboarding opportunities for strategic investors, KenGen offers a prime location and a supportive environment for sustainable energy projects. Accessing the Opportunity Interested investors can access the submission forms and detailed information about the onboarding process on KenGen's official website, KenGen . Simply navigate to the "Information Center" tab and find the KenGen Green Park registration form. This form serves as the gateway to potentially lucrative investment opportunities in Kenya's renewable energy sector. Submission Requirements To be considered for investment at the KenGen Greens Energy Park, prospective investors must submit...

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Sage Geosystems’ Project Vector: EGS at Ormat Blue Mountain Plant

Sage Geosystems Selects Ormat’s Blue Mountain Plant for Project Vector: a Major Step Toward Commercial EGS Sage Geosystems will deploy its proprietary EGS technology at Ormat’s Blue Mountain power plant in Nevada for Project Vector, targeting first electricity in 2027 and full-scale production in 2028. The two-well project aims to deliver firm, 24/7 geothermal power with lower water losses and higher net output,advancing commercial EGS, validating GeoTwin predictive modeling, and strengthening strategic ties with Ormat amid growing corporate demand for reliable baseload clean energy. Why this matters Sage Geosystems ’ selection of Ormat Technologies’ Blue Mountain geothermal plant for Project Vector represents a pivotal demonstration of commercial-scale  enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) integrated into existing power infrastructure. The decision leverages an established plant to reduce non-core capital, accelerate timeline risk reduction, and prioritize validation of subsurf...

Vulcan Energy Starts Lionheart 30MW Geothermal & 24,000tpa Lithium Plant , Landau

Vulcan Energy Kicks Off Civil Works at Lionheart: Europe’s Flagship Geothermal + Lithium Plant Starts Rising in Landau Image: The vulcan Lionheart project in Landau, Upper Rhine Graben  Vulcan Energy Resources has started civil construction on its 30 MW Lionheart Geothermal Power Plant in Landau, Germany a milestone that turns engineering blueprints into concrete reality for one of Europe’s most ambitious integrated geothermal and direct lithium extraction (DLE) projects. The first concrete layers are down, foundations are being formed, and supporting infrastructure works are under way. For stakeholders across the clean‑energy and critical minerals value chains, Lionheart represents far more than a single power station: it’s a demonstration of industrial symbiosis, price resilience, and a pathway to decarbonized battery supply chains in Europe. Why Landau matters: location, geology, and industrial context Landau sits in the Upper Rhine Graben, a tectonic trough with a favorable geo...

TEVERRA Joins Alaska DOE Geothermal Initiative to Reduce Risk

TEVERRA Joins $5 Million DOE Geothermal Initiative in Alaska Alaska is entering an important new phase in its geothermal energy development, with TEVERRA joining a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy-supported initiative focused on accelerating geothermal development across the state. The project brings together researchers, government geoscientists and private-sector subsurface specialists from the  University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), TEVERRA and Logic Geophysics. At the center of the initiative is a challenge that has constrained geothermal development in many parts of the world: the subsurface is difficult to understand before expensive drilling begins. For Alaska, where geothermal resources are distributed across a vast and geologically complex landscape, improving the quality of geological, geophysical and geomechanical information could become an important step toward...

The "Heat-as-a-Service" (HaaS) Business Model: Geothermal Without the CAPEX Nightmare

Heat-as-a-Service takes geothermal from a capital-intensive power project to a financeable, contract-based heat utility: instead of selling electrons, you sell stable, decarbonized heat under long-term contracts that match what industrial customers and investors actually want. Image: A thematic picture of a geothermal power plant By shifting risk and ownership away from end users and toward specialised developers and infrastructure capital, it can unlock geothermal in markets where electricity tariffs are low but demand for reliable, low-carbon process heat is strong. From kWh to “heat-as-a-service” Traditional geothermal projects earn revenue by selling electricity into a grid, often at wholesale prices that barely cover high up-front drilling and plant costs unless there is a feed-in tariff or premium.Many industrial users, however, do not need electricity; they need heat for processes like brewing, greenhouse climate control or pulp and paper production, and they currently buy that ...

Mazama Energy Raises $135M for Superhot Geothermal Power

Mazama Energy Raises $135M to Drill Superhot Geothermal Wells for AI Power Mazama Energy’s new $135 million Series B is a major signal that superhot geothermal is moving from frontier science toward real commercial deployment. The company says the capital will help it drill deeper, develop horizontal wells in superhot rock, and move closer to generating electricity next year from its Oregon project.   Mazama Energy’s $135 Million Funding Round Mazama Energy announced an oversubscribed Series B totaling $135 million, with backing from major climate and energy investors. The round was led by Centaurus Capital and Doerr Capital, and it also drew participation from ConocoPhillips, Shell Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Gates Frontier, SiteGround Capital, H. Barton Asset Management, and the Jeffrey and Marieke Rothschild Foundation.   That investor mix matters because it shows geothermal is attracting both traditional energy capital and venture investors. The company was incuba...

Fervo and Google Sign Record 396 MW Geothermal Deal for Utah Data Center Power.

Fervo and Google sign world’s largest deal for next-gen geothermal power Fervo Energy’s latest agreement with Google is a major milestone for next-generation geothermal and a clear sign that big tech is getting more serious about 24/7 clean power. The deal covers 396 MW from Fervo’s Cape Station project in Utah, with the option for Google to expand its commitment later, potentially pushing the relationship much closer to gigawatt scale.   For the geothermal sector, the significance goes beyond one contract. It is a public validation that enhanced geothermal systems can attract a blue-chip corporate buyer at a size usually associated with utility-scale solar, wind, gas, or nuclear procurement. For Google, it strengthens a strategy centered on securing always-available, carbon-free electricity for future data center growth.   Fervo’s announcement also lands at a moment when electricity demand is rising fast, especially from artificial intelligence infrastructure. Tha...

Geothermal Well Cost 2026: Country Benchmarks, Drilling Costs per Meter, Depth & Reservoir Risk, and Investment Insights

Geothermal Well Cost by Country (2026): Drivers, Benchmarks, and Investment Implications image: a thematic image of a geothermal field Geothermal drilling remains one of the most capital‑intensive steps in developing clean, dispatchable energy. In 2026 the headline fact is familiar: drilling costs vary sharply between countries and projects. But the deeper story is about why those costs vary, which factors are controllable, and how investors, developers, and policymakers should interpret country‑level benchmarks. This article explains the technical and commercial drivers behind geothermal well expense, surveys the cost landscape across major geothermal markets in 2026, illustrates the dynamics with project examples and recent performance data, and offers practical recommendations for modeling, financing, and policy design. Why geothermal wells are expensive Drilling a geothermal well is not simply “digging a hole.” It is a technically complex, multi‑phase process that combines explorat...

Geothermal Rare Earth Elements from Brines: Unlocking Critical Minerals, Lithium, and Strategic Metals from Clean Geothermal Energy

Geothermal brines can become a meaningful source of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals, but the industry is still in an early, pre‐commercial phase where technology, economics, and policy need to align.  Why Geothermal Brines Matter for Critical Minerals Geothermal systems circulate hot, mineral-rich fluids through crustal rocks, dissolving metals and concentrating them in brines that already flow through wells for power and heat. Unlike conventional mining, which moves huge volumes of rock, geothermal operations tap fluids that are already being pumped, monitored, and handled for energy production.  Several factors make geothermal brines attractive for critical minerals: - They contain lithium, REEs, and other valuable metals at trace to moderate concentrations. - Infrastructure (wells, pipelines, power plants) already exists at many sites. - Co-production of minerals with baseload renewable energy lowers the carbon footprint of supply chains.  For co...

Best US States for Geothermal Investment in 2026: Top Markets, Growth Opportunities, and Investor Insights

Best US States for Geothermal Investment The best US states for geothermal investment are California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas, with Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and Arizona also offering attractive upside depending on whether you want operating assets, early-stage development, or next-generation geothermal exposure. Geothermal is becoming a broader investment story than it was a few years ago. Stronger drilling methods, rising demand for firm clean power, and more state-level policy support are widening the field beyond the traditional western hot spots. Introduction For investors , geothermal is one of the few clean energy technologies that can deliver round-the-clock power with a relatively small land footprint. That reliability is a big advantage in a market where utilities, data centers, and industrial customers increasingly want clean electricity that behaves more like conventional baseload generation. The challenge is that geothermal is highly location-dependent. The qualit...

Global Geothermal Power Market Review 2026.

Global Geothermal Power: Policies, Funding, Wells, Strengths, Opportunities and Barriers Geothermal is moving into a broader investment cycle. In 2026, the story is no longer limited to volcanic power plants in a few classic markets; it now includes enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop designs, district heating, superhot rock, lithium from brines and industrial heat. Across the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, France and Italy, the sector is being shaped by a simple question: who is de-risking the first wells, and who is ready to finance the next ones?  United States: the next-generation testbed The United States has the broadest geothermal innovation ecosystem in this group, with a mature conventional base in the West and a fast-growing next-generation pipeline. The main policy signal in 2026 is the Department of Energy’s US$171.5 million funding opportunity for next-generation geothermal field-scale tests, exploration...