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...
“From Volcanic Depths to the National Grid: Dominica’s First Geothermal Turbine Sparks a Caribbean Energy Revolution.”
The historic milestone in Dominica's renewable energy journey has arrived: By: Robert Buluma the first Ormat Energy Converter (OEC) turbine unit at the OEC-1 geothermal power plant has spun to life, synchronized with the national grid, and begun delivering clean, reliable power to the island nation. This isn't just a technical achievement—it's a beacon of hope for energy independence in the Caribbean, a region long dependent on imported fossil fuels and vulnerable to hurricanes and climate change. Something which we had anticipated earlier on Imagine standing in the control room, heart pounding, as the screens light up with rising numbers: Gross Power climbing to 3.82 MW and beyond. The CPB Switch Status flips to GEN,the "Start" button glows triumphantly, and for the first time, geothermal steam from deep beneath Dominica's volcanic landscape transforms into electricity flowing seamlessly into homes, businesses, and the future. Project Manager Amir Junger c...