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Showing posts with the label Sustainability

First Gen Renews 10-MW Geothermal Energy Supply to Unilever Philippines

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...

Strataphy Raises $6M to Revolutionize AI and Industrial Cooling with Geothermal Technology

Strataphy Raises $6 Million to Revolutionize AI & Industrial Cooling with Geothermal Innovation November 25, 2025 Author:  Robert Buluma In a major boost for sustainable infrastructure, Strataphy , a cutting-edge deep-tech company, has raised $6 million in seed funding to scale its revolutionary geothermal-based cooling technology across the Middle East and other high-temperature regions. The round was led by Outliers VC and Shorooq Partners , with additional participation from PlusVC . As artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers, and industrial facilities continue to expand, cooling has become one of the biggest bottlenecks , especially in hot climates. In the Middle East, cooling consumes nearly 50% of total electricity use and constitutes a massive $120 billion market , with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for $13 billion . PrimeLoop™: Cooling Powered by Deep Subsurface Energy At the heart of Strataphy’s breakthrough is PrimeLoop™ , a proprietary subsurface cooling...

Scotland Breaks Ground: NHS Grampian and TownRock Energy Launch First Deep Geothermal Heating Plant

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. ...

Marriott Drilling to Support Tenerife’s First Deep Geothermal Wells with SGI Collaboration

Marriott Drilling to Support Tenerife’s First Deep Geothermal Wells with SGI Collaboration By: Robert Buluma Marriott Drilling Group has been awarded a borehole rig services contract by Soluciones Geotérmicas Integradas (SGI) to deliver Tenerife’s first deep geothermal wells. This landmark project marks a significant step toward unlocking the Canary Islands’ untapped renewable energy potential. SGI, headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and a wholly owned subsidiary of TAQA (Industrialization & Energy Services Company) , is leading Tenerife’s first deep geothermal exploration campaign. Marriott Drilling has been commissioned as the sole drilling contractor to provide high-performance geothermal borehole services, supporting the island’s transition to cleaner energy. The project, set to begin in 2025 , is commissioned by Energía Geotérmica de Canarias (EGC) —a consortium comprising Reykjavik Geothermal , DISA , ITER , and Involcan . The campaign aims to evaluate geothermal electricity...

Dominica’s Geothermal Power Plant 90% Complete — A Landmark Step Toward a Greener Caribbean

⚡Dominica’s Geothermal Power Plant Nears Completion — Caribbean’s Green Revolution Takes Shape By: Robert Buluma Dominica is on the brink of a historic energy milestone. The island nation’s 10-megawatt Laudat Geothermal Power Plant, now over 90% complete, is expected to begin operation by early 2026, marking a new era of sustainable energy independence for the Caribbean. Once fully operational, this facility will be the second geothermal power plant in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the first within CARICOM, delivering clean, renewable energy to more than 23,000 homes across Dominica. 🔧 Construction Progress and Milestones According to Construction Manager Mehmetemin Pay, civil and mechanical works are both 95% complete, with electrical construction at 90%. The next major step will be system testing and commissioning, scheduled for November 24th, as the team prepares the plant for its 2026 startup. Pay emphasized that the commissioning phase is crucial — ensu...

  Djibouti and Canada’s 4th Resource Corp to Seal Strategic Partnership in Geothermal Energy Development

Djibouti and  4th Resource Corp Forge New Path in Geothermal Energy Development November 10, 2025 | Alphaxioms Energy Desk By Robert Buluma 4In a significant stride toward strengthening Djibouti’s renewable energy ambitions, the country’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources , H.E. Yonis Ali Guedi , has officially received a delegation from the Canadian company 4th Resource Corp , a firm renowned for its expertise in geothermal resource exploration and development. The high-level meeting, held in Djibouti City, marked the beginning of what could become a transformative partnership for Djibouti’s energy sector. The discussions centered on geothermal energy development , a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and achieve long-term energy independence. A Promising Collaboration The visiting Canadian delegation, led by Mr. Dave Armbruster (Chairman) and Mr. Phil Harms (CEO) of 4th Resource Corp, presented the company’s vision and technical roadmap...

Waikā Consulting’s $5 Million Geothermal Bid Rekindles Old Tensions in Hawaiʻi’s Clean Energy Transition

Hawaiʻi’s Geothermal Gamble: Balancing Clean Energy Ambitions with Cultural Integrity By: Robert Buluma In Hawaiʻi’s pursuit of a 100% renewable energy future by 2045, few energy options inspire as much promise — or controversy — as geothermal. This week, that tension resurfaced when  Waika Consulting a geothermal development firm, requested a $5 million investment from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) in exchange for a stake in a $275 million geothermal project. The proposal, presented by Waikā President Ryan Matsumoto and former OHA Trustee Mililani Trask, promises substantial financial returns for Native Hawaiians. Yet, it also reopens old debates about environmental safety, cultural values, and trust in geothermal governance. A High-Stakes Investment Pitch Waikā’s plan positions geothermal not merely as a clean energy source, but as a vehicle for Native Hawaiian economic empowerment. The firm estimates that OHA’s $5 million stake could yield $25–$50 million in returns over...

Baseload Power Taiwan Secures Tribal Consent: A Landmark Community Partnership in Hualien’s Clean Energy Future

In a groundbreaking move that intertwines clean energy development with cultural preservation, Baseload  Power Taiwan has achieved a historic milestone — securing official consent from the Hongye Tribe in Hualien County for geothermal exploration and development.  By: Robert Buluma This achievement makes Baseload Power Taiwan the first private developer in Taiwan to gain tribal approval under the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law , marking a pivotal step toward inclusive, community-driven energy projects. 🌋 Building Trust Through Respect and Transparency This accomplishment did not come overnight. Over the past five years , Baseload Power Taiwan has nurtured a relationship built on trust, transparency, and respect with the Hongye Tribe. The company’s commitment to open dialogue and mutual understanding has laid the foundation for this successful partnership — a model that could inspire future clean energy collaborations across Taiwan and beyond. “The consultation reflec...

Exploring the Golden Depths: The Overlooked Connection Between Geothermal Energy and Mineral Wealth

Gold and Geothermal: Unveiling the Hidden Synergy Beneath the Pacific’s Ring of Fire By:  Robert Buluma Imagine working somewhere around the Pacific’s Ring of Fire — a region synonymous with fiery volcanoes, seismic activity, and immense geological potential. Now, picture conducting diamond core drilling, only to discover that beneath the geothermal-rich zones lies something even more valuable — mineralised gold. This fascinating overlap between geothermal energy and mineral exploration is the focus of an intriguing discussion led by William David Hartell , Managing Director at Stellae Energy Ltd . His reflections shed light on a promising but often overlooked opportunity: the co-development of geothermal and mineral resources . A Hidden Wealth Beneath the Earth From North and Central America down to South America, and across the vast Pacific to New Zealand, the Western Tropical Pacific, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan — the Pacific’s Ring of Fire hosts hundreds ...

EESL Selects Araku Valley for India’s Largest Geothermal Energy Pilot Project: A Milestone for Sustainable Tourism and Clean-Tech Innovation

🌋 EESL Chooses Araku Valley for India’s Largest Geothermal Energy Pilot Project , A Clean-Tech Leap for Sustainable Tourism By:  Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking move toward clean energy and sustainable tourism, Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has announced that Araku Valley, one of Andhra Pradesh’s most scenic destinations, will host India’s largest Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) pilot project. This bold initiative marks a new era in India’s pursuit of low-carbon tourism infrastructure, aligning seamlessly with the Union government’s clean-tech development vision. ⚡ Transforming Tourism with Geothermal Innovation The Araku Valley project will deploy earth air tunnel systems and ground source heat pumps, technologies that harness stable underground temperatures to deliver eco-friendly heating and cooling. This smart design is expected to reduce energy consumption by over 50%, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, drastically improving operational efficiency and guest ...

Margün Energy Secures 505 MW Geothermal Licenses, Expands Renewable Frontier in Turkey

Magnum Energy  Expands into Geothermal, Securing Licenses for 505 MW Potential in Turkey Published: November 5, 2025 By  Robert Buluma Turkish renewable energy powerhouse Margün Energy is making a bold move into geothermal energy, acquiring nine geothermal licenses that could unlock a potential 505 MW of power production . This expansion aligns with the company’s broader ambitions in renewables and lithium extraction. Listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange since 2021, Margün Energy announced it will establish a subsidiary, Margün Jeotermal , to oversee its geothermal portfolio across the provinces of Denizli in southwestern Turkey and Manisa in the west. Through its fully-owned subsidiary Bosphorus Yenilenebilir Enerji , Margün Energy will hold a 77.5% stake in the new venture. The company anticipates a total annual electricity output of 3.86 TWh , generating approximately USD 405 million in revenue , translating into USD 324 million in EBITDA . Margün Energy is alre...

New Zealand Assembles Global Experts to Lead Supercritical Geothermal Revolution

New Zealand Gears Up for Supercritical Geothermal Breakthrough By:  Robert Buluma New Zealand is taking a bold step into the future of renewable energy with its pioneering supercritical geothermal exploration project. The Government has announced an international review panel of leading geothermal experts to guide this groundbreaking initiative, signaling a major leap toward cleaner, more resilient energy. Global Expertise Joins Forces The panel will be chaired by Professor Roland N. Horne of , a globally recognized leader in earth science and engineering. Joining him are Dr. Omar Friðleifsson and well engineer Kristinn Ingason from the Iceland Deep Drilling Project, along with U.S. geochemist Dr. Darrell Gallup. Their combined expertise covers the full spectrum of geothermal science and engineering, ensuring that New Zealand’s supercritical geothermal ambitions are in capable hands. In addition to the international experts, a top-tier New Zealand technical team has been appointed...

Colorado Opens Final $12 Million Grant Round to Accelerate Geothermal Electricity Projects

Colorado Launches Round 4 of Geothermal Energy Grant Program: $12 Million Available for Electricity Project By:  Robert Buluma Colorado is accelerating its transition to clean energy with the launch of Round 4 of the Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP) ) , offering $12 million in funding to support geothermal electricity development across the state. This latest round, anticipated to be the final one for the program, prioritizes projects that significantly advance geothermal electricity generation. Who Can Apply? The program is open to a wide range of applicants, including: Local governments and political subdivisions of Colorado Tribal governments Corporations registered in Colorado Gas and electric service public utilities Other eligible entities with CEO approval Applicants must carefully review eligibility criteria in the Request for Applications (RFA) documents to ensure their projects qualify. Eligible Projects Round 4 funding focuses exclusively on geothermal ...

Deep Geothermal Energy in Bremen and Delmenhorst: LBEG Grants New Exploration Permits

Deep Geothermal Energy in Bremen and Delmenhorst:  LBEG Grants New Exploration Permits By:  Robert Buluma The State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG) has granted OMV Green Energy GmbH  from Vienna three new permits to explore geothermal energy from depths of more than 400 meters. The fields Delmenhorst, Bremen-West, and Bremen-Ost cover a total of nearly 192 square kilometers and span two federal states. Area Distribution and Duration Bremen-West and Bremen-Ost : 166.5 km², from Borgfeld to Sodenmatt, valid until October 14, 2026 . Delmenhorst : 25 km², up to Brinkum, valid until October 14, 2027 . In Bremen, the three new fields now cover 57 percent of the city area . Across the state of Bremen, the four exploration permits account for more than 57.5 percent of the state’s area . Permit Process OMV Green Energy GmbH submitted the applications to LBEG. After comments from Bremen, Delmenhorst, and the district authorities, LBEG approved the permits...

TOYO Advances Next-Generation Geothermal Power with Coaxial Closed-Loop Technology in Japan

TOYO Selected for Feasibility Study on Coaxial Closed-Loop Geothermal Technology in Japan Toyo Engineering advances next-generation geothermal power solutions with JOGMEC approval By:  Robert Buluma October 27, 2025 Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO) has been officially selected by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to conduct a feasibility study under the "Next-Generation Geothermal Power Generation Technology" program. TOYO’s proposal, titled “Feasibility Study on Coaxial Closed-Loop Geothermal Power Generation Technology in Japan” , has been approved for commissioning, marking a major step toward the domestic implementation of next-generation geothermal systems. Unlike conventional geothermal power, which relies on groundwater or natural geothermal reservoirs, the coaxial closed-loop system can generate electricity wherever heat sources exist, across a variety of geological conditions. The system works by circulating a heat transfer fluid,...

ADB Reaffirms Commitment to Indonesia’s Geothermal Future with $180 Million Boost for Clean Energy Development

The Asian Development Bank (ADB ) has once again demonstrated its steadfast commitment to advancing renewable energy in Southeast Asia, approving a $180 million loan to support PT Geo Dipa Energy (GDE) By: Robert Buluma Indonesia’s state-owned geothermal company — in scaling up geothermal electricity generation across Java Island. This funding marks the second additional financing under the Geothermal Power Generation Project, which focuses on constructing and commissioning two geothermal plants, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts. These facilities will contribute much-needed base-load power to the Java–Bali electricity grid, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 550,000 tons annually — a significant step toward Indonesia’s decarbonization goals. > “ADB is pleased to partner with the Government of Indonesia in advancing the country’s sustainable energy transition,” said Jiro Tominaga, ADB Country Director for Indonesia. “PT Geo Dipa Energy plays a catalytic role in driving the...