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Utah and New Zealand Join Forces to Supercharge Geothermal Energy Innovation under “Operation Gigawatt”

A New Chapter in Geothermal Diplomacy: Utah & New Zealand Seal Geothermal Pact By:  Robert Buluma In October 2025, a significant milestone was achieved when Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah, and Simon Watts, New Zealand’s Minister for Energy, signed a Letter of Intent in Auckland. The agreement formalises cooperation between Utah and New Zealand, with a special focus on developing geothermal energy as part of their shared goal to expand and diversify clean energy generation. Key Elements of the Agreement The newly signed agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in energy generation, diversification, and innovation — with geothermal energy taking center stage. The partnership also aligns with Utah’s broader mission, Operation Gigawatt , which seeks to create energy abundance through the development of renewable and advanced energy technologies. This signing was part of a wider trade and innovation mission involving cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, clean energy, ...

Innargi and H. Anger’s Söhne Forge Long-Term Partnership to Power Geothermal Growth in Denmark and Germany

INNARGI  and  H. Anger’s Söhne Seal a Groundbreaking Geothermal Drilling Deal for Denmark and Germany By:  Robert Buluma In a major stride toward Europe’s clean energy ambitions, Innargi A/S, a leading Danish geothermal developer, has entered into a three-year framework agreement with H. Anger’s Söhne Bohr- und Brunnenbaugesellschaft mbH, one of the continent’s most experienced drilling companies. The deal covers the provision of drilling rig services for geothermal projects across Denmark and Germany, marking a significant advancement in the region’s pursuit of sustainable, low-carbon district heating. Under the agreement, approximately 20 deep geothermal wells will be drilled over the next three years, each designed to supply renewable and stable heat to communities. These wells will utilize the City Rig 500, one of Europe’s quietest and most technologically advanced rigs — developed jointly by Anger and Herrenknecht Vertical. The City Rig 500’s design is tailored spec...

Turboden to Deliver 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Fervo’s Cape Station Geothermal Project in Utah

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...

Pertamina Geothermal & Toyota: A New Chapter for Green Hydrogen in Indonesia

Jakarta, September 2025   In a move that could change how Indonesia leverages its enormous geothermal endowment, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk  (PGE) and PT  Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) signed a joint declaration to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem in Indonesia.  By:  Robert Buluma The announcement  made at the 11th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE) in Jakarta  signals an ambition to turn geothermal heat into a strategic feedstock for low-carbon fuels and industrial feedstocks, not just electricity. Why this matters Indonesia sits on some of the world’s richest geothermal resources. Traditionally those resources have been used to generate baseload electricity; PGE’s partnership with Toyota broadens the conversation: use geothermal power and heat to produce green hydrogen, then convert that hydrogen into transport fuels, ammonia, methanol, or industrial hydrogen for heavy industry. That pivot...

XGS Energy Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone in Geothermal Innovation

XGS Energy  Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone for Water-Independent Geothermal System By : Robert Buluma HOUSTON, Sept 30, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for the geothermal sector, XGS Energy has announced the successful 3,000-hour operation of its water-independent geothermal system at commercial scale. This milestone not only validates the system’s commercial economics but also positions XGS as the first company to demonstrate such technology under real-world, commercial conditions. A New Era in Geothermal Innovation The operations took place at the Coso Geothermal Field in California’s Western Mojave Desert, a site owned by Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure and operated by Coso Operating Company. XGS Energy  revitalized a well that had been idle for over two decades, installing its proprietary closed-loop geothermal system enhanced by Thermal Reach Enhancement (TRE) technology. Flow testing delivered a record performance, maintaining a sustained temperature differenc...

Kenya’s Energy Crossroads: Gulf Energy Takes Over Tullow Oil in Turkana’s Geothermal-Rich Fields

Gulf Energy  Takes Over Tullow Oil’s Turkana Fields – Oil Drilling to Overlap a Geothermal Hotspot By:  Robert Buluma In a landmark energy shift for Kenya, British explorer Tullow Oil  has officially exited the country after 14 years , selling its Turkana operations to Gulf Energy  in a deal worth Ksh.16 billion (USD 120 million). The transition marks the end of  Tullow's chapter in Kenya and the beginning of a new phase that could reshape not only oil production but geothermal exploration as well. The takeover grants  Gulf Energy full control of the Turkana oil project , situated in a geologically active zone that also happens to host significant geothermal potential. Beneath Turkana’s arid landscapes, volcanic systems create natural heat reservoirs turning the region into a rare frontier where oil and geothermal energy converge. Tullow Oil  first entered Kenya in 2010, striking the Ngamia-1 discovery well in 2012, which ignited hopes of the countr...

Medco Power Launches Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW of Clean Energy”

Medco Power  Kicks Off Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma Pasaman, West Sumatra – Indonesia’s transition to clean energy has reached another milestone as PT Medco Power Indonesia , through its subsidiary PT Medco Geothermal Sumatra,  officially began drilling its first geothermal exploration well in Bonjol, Pasaman Regency. The inaugural well, BNJ-1 , was spudded on 11 September 2025 in a ceremony attended by the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah ,  Medco Power President Director Eka Satria , local government leaders, traditional community representatives, and local stakeholders. A Step Toward 60 MW of Renewable Power This drilling marks the first of two planned wells, with a total estimated potential of 60 MW of clean electricity. The project, categorized as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects under the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL 2025–2034), is expected to be completed by the ...

From Iceland to the World: A Geothermal Engineer’s Journey

A Global Journey in Geothermal: Insights from an Industry Expert From Iceland’s pioneering geothermal plants to Kenya’s wellhead projects and Indonesia’s remote fields, few By: Robert Buluma Image: Lydur skulason with a geothermal well head  professionals have had as wide-ranging a journey in geothermal as Lydur Skulason With decades of hands-on experience in marine engineering, power plant operations, and international project management, he has combined technical expertise with global collaboration to help shape the sector’s growth. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his career, insights on geothermal innovation, and his vision for the future of clean energy. Career & Experience Can you walk us through your career in geothermal and how it began? I began my career in Iceland, where geothermal energy is a natural part of daily life and a cornerstone of the national energy system. After studying Marine Engineering and Mechanical Technology at  Reykjavik Univ...

Szczecin Launches Geothermal Drilling Project to Harness Clean Energy

Szczecin Bets on Geothermal Energy: Tender Announced for First Exploration Well By:  Robert Buluma On September 23, 2025, the city of Szczecin officially launched a tender for the construction of its first geothermal exploration well at Dąbska Street. This marks a major milestone in the city’s energy transition, as Szczecin looks to tap into the natural heat beneath its soil as a modern and sustainable energy source. Backed by National Environmental Funding The investment is valued at 12.9 million PLN, with most of the financing secured from the  National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW). The project is part of the national program “Making Thermal Waters Available in Poland”, which supports municipalities in exploring and utilizing geothermal energy for heating and power generation. Thanks to this funding, Szczecin plans to drill the Szczecin GT-2 well to a depth of nearly 2,000 meters. At this depth, experts expect to encounter geothermal water...

Indonesia Powers Ahead: PT SMI and Ormat Forge Strategic Alliance to Finance Geothermal Exploration”

Indonesia Powers Ahead:  PT SMI and  Ormat Join Forces to Finance Geothermal Exploration By:  Robert Buluma Jakarta, September 17, 2025   Indonesia has taken another decisive step toward achieving energy independence and sustainability. PT  Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) (PT SMI) , in partnership with PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia , has announced plans to explore potential financing for geothermal energy exploration in Wapsalit, Maluku and Toka Tindung, North Sulawesi . The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on the sidelines of the Indonesia International Geothermal Conference and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2025 at the Jakarta International Convention Center, witnessed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia . The MoU was formalized by Reynaldi Hermansjah , President Director of PT SMI, and Dion Murdiono , President Director of PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia , alongside senior executives  Sarana Mul...

Kenya Boosts Clean Energy with 53 MW Geothermal Expansion at Olkaria I

Kenya Powers Up with 53 MW of Clean Geothermal Energy from Olkaria I Date: September 20, 2025 By:  Robert Buluma Kenya is taking a bold step toward a greener and more sustainable future with the exciting expansion of the Olkaria I geothermal plant! 🌍⚡ Did you know that this powerhouse is set to inject an additional 53 MW  of clean, renewable energy into the national grid? This move strengthens Kenya’s position as a leader in geothermal energy in Africa and brings affordable electricity to homes and businesses across the country. A Boost for Kenya’s Energy Grid The Olkaria I geothermal plant, a key player in Kenya’s renewable energy landscape, is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion. Originally generating 45 MW, the plant is being upgraded to produce a whopping 63 MW of electricity. This additional capacity will significantly enhance the country’s energy supply, ensuring more reliable and eco-friendly power for all. Geothermal energy is a game-changer because it’s not o...

INTERVIEW, Geretsried and Beyond: Eavor’s Blueprint for Reliable, Sustainable Energy

Robert Buluma :  Alphaxioms Responses were provided by Jeanine Vany, Executive Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Eavor . Can you explain the key technological advancements in the latest iteration of the Eavor-Loop™ system? We have made a number of technological advancements at our project in Geretsried Germany . This includes innovation and learning resulting in dramatic improvements in our drilling performance and we’re proud to talk about our technology. For example, Eavor recently announced successful implementation of our in-house AMR (active magnetic ranging) tool which makes drilling more accurate and efficient. Eavor-Link™ AMR uses magnetic ranging while drilling to maintain constant alignment as it drills two wells at approximately 100 metres apart before they are intersected to create a continuous geothermal loop, which is then sealed with Eavor’s proprietary Rock-Pipe™ formula. With real-time data transmission between downhole sensors, the technology ensures tighter bo...