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...
Philippines Approves P10‑Billion Geothermal Risk Fund to Derisk Exploration and Boost Renewable Energy Investment
The Philippine government’s approval of a P10.07‑billion Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility is a pivotal move to unlock more baseload renewable energy, cut exploration risk for developers, and keep the country on track toward its 2040 clean energy targets. A landmark P10‑billion geothermal risk facility The Economy and Development Council (EDC) , chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has cleared the creation of a P10.07‑billion Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility. This facility is a government‑backed financing mechanism aimed squarely at the most difficult part of geothermal development: high‑risk, early‑stage exploration. By absorbing a portion of the financial risk associated with resource confirmation, the facility is designed to move more projects from concept into drilling and eventually to commercial operation. Geothermal has long been one of the Philippines’ strategic advantages, yet new development has lagged behind its technical potential. ...