Fervo Energy's $462 Million Geothermal Gold Rush: Google Joins the Heat By:  Robert Buluma December 10, 2025 In the fast-evolving world of clean energy, where solar panels dominate skylines and wind farms stretch across horizons, a deeper and quieter revolution is rising from beneath our feet. Fervo Energy, the Houston-based innovator in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), has just announced an astonishing $462 million Series E funding round. This isn’t just another climate-tech investment,it's a tectonic moment for geothermal energy. The round was led by   B Capital , joined by major players including Google , Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, and nuclear industry leader Kris Singh. With continued backing from Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Devon Energy, Fervo’s total funding now exceeds $1.5 billion. Why the sudden rush? As AI-driven data centers consume unprecedented amounts of electricity and political winds shift around renewable priorities, geothermal’s promise of 2...

Húsavík Geothermal Exploration Heats Up: Orkuveita Húsavíkur Drills for the Future By: Robert Buluma November 26, 2025 , If you’ve noticed drilling rigs popping up around Húsavík and the surrounding area lately, you’re not imagining things. Orkuveita Húsavíkur, the local geothermal utility, is in the middle of an ambitious new phase of temperature-gradient drilling to map the hidden geothermal resources beneath Norðurþing. The company has contracted Vatnaboranir ehf. to drill seven new shallow wells (70–90 meters deep) across the region. Three of these holes are specifically on the Bakki industrial area to investigate the potential for warm seawater (jarðsjór) that could supercharge land-based aquaculture projects. The rest are scattered around the Húsavík vicinity to hunt for high-temperature resources that could secure the town’s heating needs ,and possibly open the door to electricity generation , for decades to come. Why Now? Húsavík has been 100 % geothermal-heated since the 197...

Hyundai E&C Breaks Record: Building the World’s Largest Single-Unit Geothermal Power Plant in Indonesia By:  Robert Buluma In a remarkable feat of engineering, Hyundai Engineering & Construction ( Hyundai E&C) has just completed the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant (Sarulla GPP) in North Sumatra, Indonesia now officially recognized as the world’s largest single-unit geothermal power plant with a capacity of 330 MW. This milestone not only showcases Korean engineering excellence on the global stage but also marks a significant step forward for clean, reliable renewable energy in Southeast Asia. A Giant Leap for Geothermal Energy Located in the Sarulla region of North Sumatra, the plant consists of three units that together deliver 330 megawatts of clean electricity enough to power approximately 2.1 million Indonesian households. What makes Sarulla truly special is its single-unit design. While many geothermal projects around the world are built in smaller, modular phases...

Iceland's Geothermal Renaissance: Government Bets Big on Low-Enthalpy and Innovative Uses By: Robert Buluma Iceland has long been the poster child for geothermal energy. With legendary high-temperature fields powering everything from the famous Blue Lagoon to nearly 100% of the country’s electricity and district heating, most people assumed the geothermal story was already written. Apparently not. In a move that has the global geothermal community buzzing, the Icelandic government has just announced a massive ISK 600 million (roughly €4 million / $4.4 million USD) grant program specifically designed to kick-start innovative geothermal projects, with the state covering up to one-third of total project costs. What makes this announcement truly exciting isn’t the money itself (Iceland has funded geothermal before), but the deliberate shift in focus: low-enthalpy resources and non-traditional applications. Why This Matters  The Low-Enthalpy Revolution For decades, Iceland’s geothermal ...

Exergy ORC Delivers Two Geothermal Power Plants in Turkey in Record Time: 46 MW Added in Under 13 Months By:  Robert Buluma On November 30, 2025, Exergy International proudly announced the successful commissioning of two new geothermal power plants in Aydın, Turkey: Maren Nezihe Beren 2 (13 MWe) and Emir (33 MWe), totaling 46 MW of new clean electricity capacity. What makes this milestone truly remarkable is the execution speed , both plants were delivered in less than 13 months from contract signing to full commercial operation, setting a new benchmark in the geothermal ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) industry. Why This Achievement Matters in 2025 In an era where renewable energy projects often face delays of 24–36 months (or longer), completing two binary-cycle geothermal plants totaling 46 MW in under 13 months is nothing short of extraordinary. Turkey already ranks 4th globally in installed geothermal capacity (~1.7 GW as of 2024), and these new plants reinforce the country’s lead...

First Gen and Unilever Philippines Renew Renewable Energy Partnership By:  Robert Buluma In a strong move toward sustainability, First Gen Corporation will continue to supply 10 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) to seven of Unilever Philippines’ facilities. This renewed partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The agreement covers Unilever’s production and distribution sites across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas . These facilities manufacture a wide array of products, from ice cream, sauces, and seasonings to beauty, personal care, and home care items. First Gen will source the power from the geothermal plants of its subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. (EDC) , located in Bicol, Tongonan in Leyte, and Palinpinon in Negros Oriental . “Since 2017, First Gen has been our partner in helping us reduce the carbon footprint of our manufacturing operations with a steady supply of renewable en...

Exciting Postdoc Opportunity: Pioneering Next-Gen Geothermal Energy Storage at the University of Stavanger Posted by  Robert Buluma on November 28, 2025 In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable energy, where the world races to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, groundbreaking research is more crucial than ever. If you're a passionate researcher with a PhD in hand and a drive to shape the future of clean energy, I've got an opportunity that might just be your next big leap. Today, I'm spotlighting a fantastic postdoctoral position at the University of Stavanger (UiS) in Norway – a hub for cutting-edge energy innovation. This isn't just any postdoc gig. It's part of the newly granted EU GeoSTAIN project, a major initiative focused on next-generation geothermal and thermal storage technologies. Think advanced solutions that harness the Earth's heat for reliable, eco-friendly energy production and storage. As global energy demands skyro...

Exciting Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities in Geosciences at Khalifa University (UAE) – Deadline March 2026 By:  Robert Buluma If you’re a geoscience enthusiast dreaming of pushing the boundaries of Earth science while being fully funded in one of the most dynamic research environments in the Middle East, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Prof. Hamed Gamaleldien and his research group at Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Abu Dhabi, UAE) have just announced four fully-funded PhD positions at the intersection of geology, geochemistry, tectonics, and critical metal exploration. Why Khalifa University? Located in Abu Dhabi, one of the safest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world   State-of-the-art analytical facilities (LA-ICP-MS, electron microprobe, clean labs, etc.)   Strong international collaborations and fieldwork opportunities in the Arabian Shield, East African Orogen, and beyond   Generous tax-free stipend, accommodatio...

Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) Unlocks Geothermal Potential with $5M Farm-in Deal from Sunrise Energy Metals By: Robert Buluma 26 November 2025 In a move that could prove highly strategic for both companies and the north-west Queensland region, Greenvale Energy Limited (ASX:GRV) has announced a binding Farm-in and future Joint Venture agreement with SRL Hot Rocks Pty Ltd, a 100%-owned subsidiary of ASX-listed Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX:SRL). The deal centres on Greenvale’s 100%-owned Millungera Basin Geothermal Project, located ~120 km east of Mount Isa in one of Australia’s hottest and most prospective geothermal provinces. Key Deal Terms SRL Hot Rocks will sole fund up to A$5 million in exploration and development expenditure. - Upon completing the $5M spend, SRL-HR will earn a 51% majority interest in the Millungera geothermal tenements, with a pathway to a full Joint Venture. Greenvale retains a meaningful free-carried interest through the earn-in phase, allowing it to preserve capita...

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...

Scotland’s First Deep Geothermal Heating Plant: NHS Grampian and TownRock Energy Explore Renewable Future By:  Robert Buluma Scotland is taking a significant step toward renewable energy with the potential construction of its first deep geothermal heating plant in Aberdeen. A recent Scottish Government-funded feasibility study, conducted by TownRock Energy in partnership with NHS Grampian , has revealed the immense potential of harnessing geothermal energy beneath the city. This groundbreaking initiative could transform heating systems, reduce carbon emissions, and support the local community in tackling rising energy costs. Feasibility Study Highlights Geothermal Potential The desk-based study, completed by TownRock Energy, examined three different geothermal technologies for the Foresterhill Health Campus . The study concluded that an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) , reaching depths of 3.5km to 5km, would provide the most efficient and reliable source of renewable heat. ...

Iceland Launches a New High-Temperature Slimhole Well After 15 Years: A Major Leap for Geothermal Exploration By: Robert Buluma Iceland has once again taken a bold step in strengthening its geothermal leadership, as Orkuveitan announced the commencement of its first exploration well in over 15 years . This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for geothermal innovation in the Meitlar area—one that blends scientific precision, sustainability, and future-focused energy development. The newly launched well is no ordinary project. It is a high-temperature slimhole designed to reach depths of 1,500 meters , allowing geoscientists to test the presence, behavior, and potential of the geothermal system hidden beneath the Meitlar landscape. This well represents years of planning, rigorous geological studies, and persistent pursuit of clean-energy solutions. According to the project team, this initiative is a key element of Orkuveitan’s New Energies department, which works tirelessly t...