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If You Had $1 Billion for Geothermal, Where Should You Invest?

New Zealand's Progress on Supercritical Geothermal Forges Ahead with $60 Million Government Backing

Introduction: A Quiet Revolution Beneath the North Island By  Robert Buluma   In the geothermal fields south of Taupō, a quiet but profound energy revolution is taking shape. While much of the world focuses on solar panels and wind turbines, New Zealand is drilling deeper—literally and metaphorically—into a source of power so intense that it could redefine what “renewable baseload” means. The GeoShot NZ project has just cleared a major hurdle, moving the country significantly closer to drilling its first superhot geothermal well. If successful, this will not only strengthen national energy resilience but also position New Zealand alongside Iceland as a pioneer of the next frontier in geothermal science. Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones announced in early June 2026 that Cabinet had approved the release of the remaining $55 million for the project. That money, part of $60 million originally ring‑fenced in the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), will finan...

NZ and Iceland Forge Strategic Geothermal Partnership at COP30

New Zealand and Iceland Forge a Historic Partnership to Advance Superhot Geothermal Energy By: Robert Buluma In a defining moment for global clean energy innovation, New Zealand and Iceland have signed a landmark agreement to deepen cooperation on geothermal energy development. The arrangement—formalized at COP30 in Belém, Brazil—positions both nations at the forefront of a new era of renewable energy technology, especially in the emerging field of superhot and supercritical geothermal systems. This partnership is more than a diplomatic gesture; it represents a powerful fusion of scientific expertise, drilling innovation, and shared national ambition. For countries looking to harness geothermal as a reliable baseload solution, the New Zealand–Iceland alliance sets a new standard for international energy collaboration. A Partnership Rooted in Decades of Geothermal Excellence New Zealand and Iceland are globally recognized for their geothermal resources and world-leading technical expert...

Mastering the Subsurface: A Geothermal Reservoir Engineer's Insights on EGS, Stimulation, Digital Twins, and the Future of Clean Baseload Power

Geothermal energy is often called the “quiet backbone” of the clean energy transition. To understand the science, challenges, and innovations driving this sector, we spoke with a seasoned geothermal reservoir engineer with experience spanning the Andes, Nevada, Utah, and volcanic fields worldwide. Here’s what they shared. By:  Robert Buluma This interview was conducted by Robert Buluma, Founder of Alphaxioms. The responses were provided by Jerjes Porlles, Ph.D., Regional Technical & Business Development Manager – Latin America at Avasthi & Associates, Worldwide Energy Consulting. 1. What sparked your passion for geothermal reservoir engineering, and did you ever imagine yourself working in some of the world’s most challenging geothermal fields ? My passion was sparked during my early career in the petroleum industry, specifically in reservoirs. I was fascinated by the subsurface—how fluids move, how heat and pressure interact but it wasn’t until I worked on projects in Peru...

The $500 Billion Energy Revolution: How Geothermal is About to Change Everything

A Silent Energy Revolution is Underway Robert Buluma Image: Fumaroles emanating from the ground, a geothermal manifestation, credit: unsplash The global energy landscape is shifting. While solar and wind have dominated discussions on renewable energy, a new powerhouse is emerging  geothermal energy . Backed by investments from tech giants, oil majors, and governments, geothermal is quietly positioning itself as the next trillion-dollar industry. With the potential to replace fossil fuels, reshape economies, and revolutionize energy grids , geothermal is no longer a niche sector it’s the future of energy . In this article, we’ll explore why geothermal energy is set to explode, the key players driving this shift, and how it could disrupt traditional energy markets . The Key Players Betting on Geothermal Geothermal energy is no longer just the domain of specialized companies. Big Tech, oil giants, and governments are now pouring billions into the sector, recognizing its potential...

"Harnessing Earth’s Fiery Core: Supercritical Geothermal’s Power Unleashed"

The Future of Geothermal Energy: Unlocking the Potential of Supercritical Geothermal Resources By:  Robert Buluma In the deep underbelly of the Earth, where the heat is nearly unbearable, lies a force so powerful it could reshape our energy landscape forever. This is the story of supercritical geothermal resources—a frontier so ambitious, so untapped, that it promises not just to meet, but to exceed, our wildest dreams for sustainable energy. The Hidden Power Beneath Our Feet Imagine drilling into the Earth's crust, past boiling reservoirs and molten rock, into a realm where temperatures and pressures reach a critical point, transforming water into a supercritical fluid. Neither liquid nor gas, this supercritical fluid holds the potential to produce ten times more energy than conventional geothermal sources. It’s a resource that could power cities, industries, and entire nations with clean, renewable energy. But this isn't just a tale of boundless potential—it's a journey f...