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Mijnwater Starts Terhoevenderweg Drilling for New 634-Meter Heat Source in Heerlen

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Mijnwater starts drilling for new heat source on Terhoevenderweg in Heerlen New source expands Parkstad’s district heating and cooling network Mijnwater has started drilling work for a new heat source at Terhoevenderweg in Heerlen, marking another important step in the expansion of its sustainable heating and cooling network in Parkstad. After a period of preparation, work began this week and is expected to continue for three to four weeks. Because the operation must be completed safely and efficiently, the drilling is taking place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project is part of Mijnwater’s broader effort to strengthen a low-carbon energy system for the region. The new source will tap warm groundwater in a former mine passage deep underground and feed that energy into the company’s network. For Heerlen and the surrounding area, this means further development of a district energy system that draws value from the region’s mining past while supporting a more sustainable energy ...
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Mercury NZ Delivers Fifth-Generation Unit at Ngā Tamariki – Strengthening Clean Energy Supply

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Advancements in Geothermal Energy: New Zealand's Ngā Tamariki Expansion Leads the Way By:  Robert Buluma Image:  Mercury NZ Delivers Fifth-Generation Unit at Ngā Tamariki – Strengthening Clean Energy Supply Geothermal energy, harnessed from the Earth's internal heat, represents one of the most reliable and sustainable sources of renewable power available today. Unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal provides consistent baseload electricity, making it a cornerstone for energy security in regions with suitable geological features. As the world grapples with climate change and the need to transition from fossil fuels, geothermal is gaining renewed attention. In 2026, global investments in geothermal are surging, with projections indicating annual funding could reach nearly $9 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by advancements in next-generation technologies, such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which expand accessibility beyond traditional ...
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Breaking Ground, Breaking Limits: New Zealand’s Supercritical Geothermal Ambitions Take Shape

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Published: 28 May 2025 By:  Robert Buluma In the heart of the Taupō Volcanic Zone, where the earth roars with ancient fire, a bold new frontier in energy is stirring beneath New Zealand’s feet.  The Government has announced major strides in its ambitious pursuit of supercritical geothermal energy—a potential game-changer that could propel Aotearoa to the forefront of global clean energy innovation. And it’s not just ambition—it’s action. 🔥 Supercritical: The Next Leap in Geothermal Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti unveiled fresh details about the government’s progress toward harnessing supercritical geothermal energy. This isn't your everyday clean energy initiative—it's the geothermal equivalent of striking gold at the Earth's molten edge. Conventional geothermal energy taps into hot water and steam from wells drilled up to 3.5 km deep. But supercritical geothermal? It goes deeper—up to 6 km—where temp...
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Towards a Shared Future: Indonesia and New Zealand Launch the Geothermal Partnership Program PINZ

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Amidst the bustle of the capital city, a monumental moment took place at the Slamet Bratanata Building of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM):  By: Robert Buluma Indonesia and New Zealand officially launched the Indonesia–Aotearoa New Zealand Geothermal Partnership Program (PINZ). This cross-country initiative not only marks a new era of bilateral cooperation but also underscores Indonesia’s strategic steps in advancing its clean energy transition. With an ambitious target of increasing geothermal capacity by 1.1 GW over the next five years , PINZ is not merely a technical project—it is a declaration that Indonesia is serious about becoming a global geothermal powerhouse , surpassing even the United States. Shaking the Global Energy Status Quo “Energy transition is not a choice—it’s a necessity,” asserted Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE). In her stirring address, she emphasized that Indonesia’s success...
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Mercury Collaborates With Ormat To Expand Nga Tamariki Geothermal Station With Additional 45 MW

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Unveiling a New Era: Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Station Expansion Underway! By: Robert Buluma In a symbolic gesture marked by the clinking of shovels against the earth, a new chapter in renewable energy dawned as the groundbreaking ceremony for the fifth generating unit at the Ngā Tamariki geothermal commenced. The air was filled with anticipation and reverence as representatives from Tauhara North 2 Trust , Tahu Ngati Whaoa , and their esteemed delivery partner, Ormat gathered to bless and celebrate this momentous occasion. At the heart of this expansion lies a profound commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. Collaborating closely with their valued partners,  Tauhara North 2 Trust and the wider mana whenua Ngāti Tahu Ngati Whaoa ,They had meticulously crafted a plan that not only ensures the long-term health of the land but also honors its sacred significance as a taonga. The addition of this new unit marks a pivotal milestone in  Mercury ongoing mission to cha...
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Geofluid and New Zealand University Of Aucland Xrays Paris Geothermal Reservoir To Unleash Geothermal Potential

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Unveiling Paris' Hidden Gem: Geothermal Energy Revolutionizing Heating By : Robert Buluma Paris, known for its romantic streets and iconic landmarks, harbors a secret beneath its surface that is revolutionizing the way its citizens stay warm during the chilly winter months. Beneath the cobblestone pathways lies a vast geothermal reservoir, quietly providing low-energy heating to over 250,000 homes and even the bustling airport. Thanks to the innovative collaboration between researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand and Geofluid, a leading geothermal consulting company, Parisians are enjoying the benefits of this renewable energy source like never before. Using advanced modeling techniques, this dynamic team has created a detailed picture of the reservoir, unlocking its potential to optimize Paris' energy resources. Employing the cutting-edge Leapfrog Geothermal software, the researchers have constructed a comprehensive geological model, shedding light on the in...
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Geothermal Partnership to Secure Taiwans Future

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal Partnership to Secure Taiwan's Energy Future By  Robert Buluma In a move towards securing Taiwan's sustainable energy future, a groundbreaking collaboration has been forged between GNS Science of New Zealand, Taiwan's Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency (GSMMA), and National Cheng Kung University. This partnership aims to harness the power of geothermal energy, aligning with the shared vision of both nations for renewable energy and emissions reduction. Taiwan and New Zealand share more than just geological similarities; they also have parallel trajectories in transitioning towards renewable energy sources. Recognizing the critical role of geothermal power in the energy mix, this collaboration seeks to unlock the untapped potential lying beneath both nations' landscapes. On February 22, 2024, GNS and National Cheng Kung University held an academic seminar and cooperation discussion to solidify their commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding ...
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EGS Market Size and Investment Outlook

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Market Size and Investment Outlook to 2034 Enhanced Geothermal Systems are at an inflection point. For years, EGS sat in the “promising but pre‑commercial” category of clean technologies, constrained by drilling cost, subsurface risk, and limited policy attention. That picture is now changing as next‑generation geothermal developers raise larger rounds, sign serious offtake agreements, and move projects from concept to execution.   At the same time, global demand for firm, low‑carbon power is rising faster than conventional geothermal can supply. Thermal plants are retiring, grids need 24/7 clean electricity, and policymakers are discovering that weather‑dependent renewables cannot carry the entire load alone. EGS is emerging as one of the few technologies capable of delivering baseload clean power using a resource available almost everywhere: deep, hot rock. Current EGS Market Size – Small but Strategic In absolute terms, the EGS market is s...
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Plum IV and CTR’s Geothermal Critical Minerals Deal Takes Shape

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Plum Acquisition Corp. IV and  Controlled Thermal Resources Outline a Large-Scale Geothermal and Critical Minerals Platform Plum Acquisition Corp. IV (“Plum IV”) and Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings Inc. (“CTR”) are moving toward a proposed business combination that would create a public company focused on one of the most ambitious geothermal and critical minerals developments in the United States. The combined entity is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the pro forma ticker CTRH, reflecting a platform built around clean baseload power, lithium recovery, and broader critical minerals production. The investor presentation dated August 2026 frames the transaction around CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen project in Imperial County, California, which is presented as a strategically positioned resource opportunity with energy, minerals, infrastructure, and permitting advantages.   At the center of the presentation is a clear message: this is not just a power project, and it is not j...
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Iceland Drilling, Pertamina Strengthen Geothermal Super Hot Rock Collaboration

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Iceland Drilling and Pertamina Drilling Strengthen Geothermal Collaboration: A New Platform for Super Hot Rock Development The global geothermal industry is entering a period in which drilling capability, resource knowledge and international collaboration are becoming increasingly important. As countries look for reliable, low-carbon sources of electricity and heat, geothermal energy is moving beyond conventional developments toward more technically challenging resources, including deeper reservoirs and Super Hot Rock (SHR). A new collaboration between Iceland Drilling Company Ltd and Pertamina Drilling Services Indonesia (PDSI) highlights this transition. In August 2026, Iceland Drilling and Pertamina Drilling Services Indonesia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in geothermal drilling services. The agreement brings together two organisations from countries with exceptionally strong geothermal credentials: Iceland, with decade...
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SECI Invites Geothermal Agencies for Resource Assessment and Power Development in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
SECI’s Geothermal EOI for Andaman & Nicobar Islands: What It Means for India’s Next Frontier in Clean Power The Solar Energy Corporation of India’s EOI for geothermal resource assessment and development in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a notable signal that India is widening its renewable-energy playbook beyond solar and wind. For developers, consultants, and investors, this tender is less about a single procurement and more about a strategic entry point into one of India’s most technically intriguing clean-energy frontiers. Why This EOI Matters SECI has published Tender ID SECI000268 under reference SECI/C&P/EOI/17/0003/26-27 for the “Identification and Capability Assessment of Agencies for Geothermal Resource Assessment, Exploration, Development, and Utilization of Geothermal Power Plant in UT of A&N Islands.” The document indicates that the initiative is meant to identify agencies with capability across geothermal resource assessment, exploration, development, and...
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If You Had $1 Billion for Geothermal, Where Should You Invest?

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
If You Had $1 Billion for Geothermal in 2026, Where Wouldn’t You Invest? Image: A thematic image of a drilling rig on a geothermal, well pad Geothermal is becoming one of the most interesting corners of clean energy, but that does not mean every market deserves your capital. In 2026, the smartest geothermal investors are not asking where the hottest rocks are, they are asking where geology, contracts, policy, and execution line up well enough to justify real money. The real investment test If you had $1 billion to deploy in geothermal, you would not start with hype. You would start with bankability, because geothermal is a business of drilled wells, long timelines, heavy upfront costs, and a very unforgiving path from theory to cash flow. A project can look excellent on a resource map and still underperform badly if permitting drags, community consent is weak, tariffs are mispriced, or the grid cannot absorb the power. That is why this article focuses on where you would not put capita...
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AFK Geothermie launches €65M dublette drilling to heat 1,200 homes

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
AFK Geothermie launches second dublette drilling in Aschheim , pathway to 1,200 geothermal heat connections Summary AFK Geothermie has begun preparing the drill site for a second deep geothermal dublette near Aschheim. Drilling is scheduled to start in November at depths up to 2,600 meters. The project aims to supply up to 1,200 residential connections in Aschheim, Feldkirchen and Kirchheim with district heating from January 2028, expanding an established field first tapped in 2008. Total investment is around €65 million, combining public grants, municipal contributions, company equity and long-term loans. Why this matters now The AFK project is a practical example of how municipal-scale geothermal systems move from demonstration to scale-up. As European policymakers push for decarbonized heating, replicable, well-financed geothermal projects that integrate with existing district heating networks are becoming critical. The Aschheim dublette highlights common technical, financial and ...
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Deep Geothermal Drilling Preparation for Renewable District Heating

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Deep Drilling Preparation for Geothermal Energy: The Erdwärme Breisgau Project The Erdwärme Breisgau geothermal project has received approval for its next phase, allowing Badenova and Herrenknecht to begin preparing a deep-drilling site near Hartheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The partners plan to invest approximately €60 million to explore a geothermal reservoir located around 3,200 metres underground and develop a heating plant for regional district heating.  Why Deep Drilling Matters for Geothermal Heating Deep geothermal energy can provide a stable, renewable source of heat for district-heating networks. Unlike solar and wind power, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal heating can operate continuously when the underground reservoir and surface infrastructure are technically and economically viable. The Erdwärme Breisgau project is designed to investigate a hot-water reservoir beneath the Hartheim area. The plan involves drilling two directional wells: one producti...
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Geothermal heat pumps for universities: campus decarbonization, industrial heat pumps, and state grant funding

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Massachusetts’ $23M Push: How Geothermal, Industrial Heat Pumps and Efficiency Grants Can Transform Campus Decarbonization Image: MIT, Cambridge  Massachusetts’ recent award of approximately $23 million in decarbonization implementation grants to public universities and state facilities is more than a set of individual projects — it’s a practical blueprint for how public-sector institutions can accelerate fossil-fuel retirement, reduce operating costs, and scale up low-carbon heating technologies. The grant round, made through the Department of Energy Resources’ Leading by Example (LBE) Decarbonization Implementation Grant (DIG) program, funds a range of measures from campus-scale geothermal systems to industrial heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, building envelope upgrades, and rooftop solar. Together the projects demonstrate how targeted public investments can unlock larger capital programs, yield sizeable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and create replicable models for universi...
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Geothermal Salary Guide 2026 by Country: USA, Germany, UK, Canada, Netherlands and Global Pay Outlook

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal Salary Guide 2026 by Country Geothermal careers in 2026 are being shaped by a stronger global push for firm, low-carbon energy, rising demand for skilled drilling and subsurface talent, and the expansion of heating, cooling, and power applications. The market is no longer just about traditional geothermal power plants ; it is also being pulled forward by data center demand , heat decarbonization , and next-generation geothermal technologies such as enhanced geothermal systems . Those trends are creating new salary pressure in countries with mature energy sectors and strong technical labor markets. The most attractive salary markets in this group are the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands, but each country offers a different mix of base pay, taxes, benefits, and career growth. The right way to evaluate geothermal pay is to look at both nominal salary and real purchasing power, because a higher number on paper does not always mean better ta...
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Geothermal Drilling Cost Per Well: U.S. and Global Benchmarks by Country

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Geothermal Drilling Cost Per Well: U.S. and Global Benchmarks by Country Geothermal drilling cost per well varies widely because no two projects face the same depth, geology, reservoir temperature, or drilling risk. In the United States and other major geothermal markets, costs can range from modest amounts for shallow residential boreholes to several million dollars for deep power-generation wells. A single “average” price is therefore misleading. The most useful way to understand geothermal drilling cost is to look at project type, depth, and country together, then compare those figures against the conditions that drive them. What A Geothermal Well Includes A geothermal well is more than a hole in the ground. It is a highly engineered underground asset that must be drilled, cased, cemented, tested, and often completed under demanding temperature and pressure conditions. For residential systems, the well or borehole is part of a ground-source heat pump loop field. For power projects, ...
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