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KenGen Risks Losing Olkaria Geothermal Wells Over Licence Error

KenGen Risks Losing Olkaria Wells Over 18-Year Licence Blunder Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) faces a serious legal and operational risk at Olkaria after an error in the coordinates of its geothermal licence left part of the company’s wells, steam infrastructure and other assets outside its legally recognised area. The licensing mistake, made nearly two decades ago, remains unresolved despite the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum acknowledging the problem in 2017.  The dispute has raised questions about the security of KenGen’s investments, the government’s management of geothermal resources and the potential consequences for Kenya’s electricity supply. Olkaria is the country’s most important geothermal centre and accounts for the overwhelming majority of Kenya’s installed geothermal generation capacity.  Licence Error Exposes Strategic Assets The problem dates back to September 19, 2008, when the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum issued KenGen a licence covering ...

Geological Hydrogen The Next Geothermal Gem

Geological Hydrogen: The Next Geothermal Gem Transforming Clean Energy By: Robert Buluma As the global energy transition accelerates, innovators are looking deep underground for the next breakthrough. Today, one of the most promising frontiers in renewable energy is the combination of geological hydrogen (also known as white hydrogen ) and geothermal energy . At Alphaxioms, we believe this synergy represents a powerful new chapter for clean, sustainable, and scalable energy systems. This article explores why geological hydrogen could be the next geothermal gem , how the two resources complement each other, and why this emerging energy concept is gaining significant attention from researchers, investors, and governments worldwide. What Is Geological Hydrogen and Why It Matters Geological hydrogen refers to naturally occurring hydrogen gas generated underground through water-rock reactions, radiolysis, serpentinization, and other geochemical processes. Unlike hydrogen produced usin...

Colombia Launches First Geothermal Auction

Unleashing Colombia's Geothermal Potential: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy By: Robert Buluma Colombia, renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, is gearing up for a groundbreaking endeavor in the realm of sustainable energy. In an announcement that reverberates with promise, the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH) disclosed plans for the nation's inaugural geothermal round and auction slated for the latter half of 2024. The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. It represents a pivotal stride towards harnessing Colombia's untapped geothermal potential, a move poised to redefine the country's energy landscape while championing environmental sustainability. Orlando Velandia SepĂșlveda, President of ANH, underscored the magnitude of this endeavor, citing it as a concerted effort to capitalize on Colombia's inherent strengths. Collaborating seamlessly with the Ministry and the Servicio GeolĂłgico Colombiano, ANH has embarked on an exhau...

Teverra and Permian Development Lab To Develop Texas Geothermal Landscape

Unveiling Tomorrow's Energy Solutions: Permian Energy Development Lab and Teverra Join Forces By : Robert Buluma In the vast expanse of the Permian Basin, where oil and innovation flow in equal measure, a groundbreaking partnership has emerged to redefine the future of energy. Enter the Permian Energy Development Lab (PEDL) and Teverra, two visionary entities united by a shared commitment to pioneering advanced energy solutions. Hot off the press from the heart of Odessa, Texas, comes the announcement of a strategic alliance poised to revolutionize the energy landscape. With Teverra's expertise in geothermal energy, carbon storage, and cleaner oil and gas solutions, coupled with PEDL's dedication to research and collaboration, the stage is set for an electrifying journey towards sustainable energy. Teverra, a trailblazing technology company, has already marked its territory with a recent triumph—a coveted contract with Colorado to conduct a sweeping analysis of geothermal r...

US Geothermal Act To Pave Ways For Geothermal Energy Revolution

Breaking Down Barriers: The GEO Act Paves the Way for Geothermal Energy Revolution By: Robert Buluma In a bipartisan effort to revolutionize America's energy landscape, Senator Mike Lee, alongside Senators Martin Heinrich, James Risch, and Catherine Cortez Masto, has introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act. This groundbreaking legislation aims to accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide, unlocking its full potential as a clean, reliable, and versatile source of power. Geothermal energy holds the promise of complementing intermittent renewables like wind and solar, providing a stable source of baseload power. Unlike traditional perceptions that limit geothermal to hot regions, next-generation technologies can be deployed across a wider range of climates, offering a decentralized solution tailored to local energy demands. Moreover, geothermal energy isn't just about electricity generation; it's about creating new pathways to high-paying jobs, su...

Mondelez Taps Geothermal Energy For Sustainable Production

Harnessing the Earth's Warmth: Mondelez Ventures into Geothermal Energy for Sustainable Production By: Robert Buluma In a bid to embrace sustainable practices, global food giant Mondelez has set its sights on harnessing the Earth's natural warmth to power its production facilities. Located in the picturesque region of Bad Fallingbostel in the Heidekreis district of Germany, Mondelez's factory churns out an array of delectable treats ranging from cheese varieties to ketchup and mayonnaise. Now, with the recent green light from the State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG), Mondelez is poised to tap into the depths of the Earth for geothermal energy, marking a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint. The concept is as innovative as it is environmentally conscious. By delving deep into the Earth's crust, Mondelez aims to access the virtually limitless reservoir of heat stored beneath the surface. Unlike traditional heating methods that rely on foss...

White Bark and Ceraphi Sign Head of Terms To Develop Australian Geothermal Energy

Unveiling the Future of Renewable Energy: Whitebark Energy and CeraPhi Energy Join Forces By: Robert Buluma A Ceraphi drilling rig , image source Ceraphi  In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy solutions, Whitebark Energy Limited has forged a strategic partnership with international Geothermal Developer CeraPhi Energy. This collaboration signals a significant step forward in Australia's energy transition, particularly in the realm of geothermal power. Whitebark's recent acquisition of an exploration license application for Geothermal Energy (EPG) in the Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast Region sets the stage for a pioneering endeavor. Covering approximately 589 square kilometers, this tenement holds immense potential for the generation and sale of geothermal power, positioning Whitebark as a key player in the region's renewable energy landscape. Central to this partnership is CeraPhi Energy's cutting-edge technology, the CeraPhiWell™. This revolutionary close...

Bjelovar's Croation Geothermal Evaluation Finished

Harnessing Earth's Heat: Bjelovar's Geothermal Revolution By:  Robert Buluma In the heart of Croatia, a quiet yet ambitious city is silently leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future. Welcome to Bjelovar, where innovation meets determination, and the earth's own warmth is becoming the cornerstone of a groundbreaking energy shift. Mayor Dario Hrebak proudly declares that Bjelovar is on the brink of transformation. With over 200 million euros invested in various projects – an amount equivalent to half the iconic PeljeĆĄki bridge – the city is not just dreaming of a sustainable future; it's actively building it. One of the most promising endeavors is the geothermal well project in Veliki Korenovo. This venture, with a total investment of 4.4 million euros, symbolizes Bjelovar's commitment to harnessing the Earth's natural resources responsibly. Co-financed by the Governments of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, along with substantial support fr...

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Jicarilla Apache Geothermal Study Wins $2.5 Million Grant

Jicarilla Apache Nation Launches $2.5 Million Geothermal Feasibility Study The Jicarilla Apache Nation in northern New Mexico has launched a major investigation into its geothermal energy potential after receiving a $2.5 million grant from the State of New Mexico. The funding will support a detailed feasibility study examining whether underground heat resources on tribal lands could be developed for electricity generation, direct heating, or other energy applications. The initiative represents an important step in the Nation’s efforts to understand and diversify its energy resources. Although the Jicarilla Apache Nation has not yet committed to building a geothermal facility, the study could provide the geological, technical, and economic information required for future investment decisions. The project is particularly significant because the Nation already has extensive experience with subsurface exploration through its oil and gas activities. Existing geological records, drilling inf...

Vercana Electric Rig Advances Geothermal Brine Lithium Extraction Economics

Electric-Rig Direct Lithium Extraction From Geothermal Brine: The Economics of Vercana Versus Ormat Vulcan Energy Resources is pursuing an integrated model that combines geothermal drilling, direct lithium extraction, renewable electricity and industrial heat. Through its Vercana subsidiary, the company is also using electric drilling equipment designed to support the development of its Lionheart project in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley. The approach differs from the conventional geothermal model represented by Ormat Technologies, whose core business remains geothermal power generation, equipment, project development and energy storage rather than commercial lithium recovery from geothermal brine.  The economic question is broader than whether an electric drilling rig costs less to operate than a diesel rig. The more important issue is whether electric drilling, geothermal energy and direct lithium extraction can create a more valuable integrated project than a conventional geotherm...

Next-Gen Geothermal Funding 2026: VCs, Banks, Government Capital

Who Is Really Funding Next-Gen Geothermal in 2026? Next-generation geothermal has moved beyond laboratory research into a capital-intensive commercialization phase. In 2026, the most important financing is no longer coming from one investor category: venture capital funds are financing drilling, subsurface modelling and hardware; strategic energy companies are providing equipment, project access and market credibility; banks are beginning to lend against contracted projects; and governments are absorbing exploration and first-of-a-kind technology risk. The strongest financing activity is concentrated in the United States and Canada, but Europe is becoming increasingly important through Germany-based deployment, European Union grants, UK innovation support, and strategic participation from European energy companies. The central investment question is changing from “Can this technology work?” to “Can the developer deliver repeatable, financeable projects at commercial cost?” The 2026 fun...

Billionaire Families Bet on Advanced Geothermal Energy Investments

Billionaire Geothermal Families Bet on Geothermal Billionaire families and private investment offices are placing increasingly large bets on geothermal energy, especially on technologies designed to make the resource available in more locations. Their investments are helping finance enhanced geothermal systems, advanced drilling, closed-loop designs, and other approaches that could transform geothermal from a regionally concentrated power source into a globally scalable clean-energy industry. The investment surge reflects a broader change in the energy market. Electricity demand is rising because of artificial intelligence, data centers, industrial electrification, electric vehicles, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. At the same time, utilities and large corporations need power that is reliable around the clock. Solar and wind remain essential to the clean-energy transition, but their output varies with weather and time of day. Geothermal could complement these technologies ...

Global Geothermal Investment 2026: 15 High-Growth Markets

Global Geothermal Investment 2026: 15 Markets Where Developers Should Look Next Geothermal energy is entering its most investable decade yet, with developers, drilling contractors, turbine suppliers and private capital providers scanning a widening map of opportunities beyond the traditional “big five” producers.  This article profiles 15 markets where project pipelines, policy signals, resource quality and technology readiness converge to create compelling entry points in 2026 and beyond.  Why 2026 Is a Turning Point for Geothermal Capital Global geothermal investment is accelerating as governments seek firm, low‑carbon baseload to back up variable wind and solar, while advanced drilling and subsurface engineering lower costs and expand the resource base. Market analysts project the geothermal energy market to reach roughly USD 13.56 billion by 2030, up from about USD 9.81 billion in 2025, implying sustained double‑digit growth in development spend. Capital is flowing not onl...

Western Geothermal Power Transmission Roadmap Toward 2030

Geothermal Power in the Western United States: A Transmission and Planning Roadmap to 2030 Introduction The Western United States is approaching a decisive period for geothermal power. Electricity demand is rising because of data centers, industrial electrification, population growth, electric vehicles and the replacement of retiring fossil-fuel generation. At the same time, utilities are under growing pressure to add clean resources that can operate reliably when solar and wind output declines. Geothermal power is well positioned to fill this role. Unlike weather-dependent generation, geothermal plants can provide firm electricity for long periods, support grid reliability and reduce the amount of storage required in deeply decarbonized power systems. However, the industry’s expansion will depend on more than subsurface heat and drilling technology. By 2030, transmission access, resource planning, project finance, permitting and utility procurement will determine whether geothermal be...

Ijen vs Zanskar: Blind Geothermal Energy Discovery and Development

Ijen’s Blind Geothermal System vs. Zanskar’s AI-Discovered Resources: Two Models for Finding Hidden Heat The geothermal industry is entering a new phase in which the most valuable resources may no longer be the fields marked by obvious hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, or steaming ground. Increasingly, developers are targeting “blind” or hidden geothermal systems,reservoirs that lack clear surface expressions but can still contain the temperature, permeability, and fluid needed for commercial power generation. Two examples illustrate how different parts of the industry are approaching this challenge. In Indonesia, the Blawan-Ijen geothermal field in East Java was developed through geological interpretation, magnetotelluric imaging, conceptual modelling, and drilling. The project is now operating commercially, with its first phase delivering approximately 35 MW to the Java grid under a 30-year power purchase agreement.  In the United States, Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals is using...

Alberta Geothermal Startup Phase Secures Funding for High-Temperature Drilling Sensors

Alberta’s Phase Targets a Critical Geothermal Drilling Barrier With High-Temperature Sensors Alberta is using its deep oil-and-gas expertise to pursue a new opportunity beneath the surface: geothermal energy. Among the companies receiving support through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Drilling Technology Challenge is Edmonton-based Phase Advanced Sensor Systems Corp., which is developing a high-temperature downhole pressure sensor for enhanced geothermal systems. The project addresses a problem that could determine whether deep geothermal energy becomes commercially viable: operators need reliable, accurate information from wells exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Phase plans to demonstrate a sensor capable of operating at temperatures above 200°C, with testing planned at 200°C, 250°C and 275°C.  The project has a total value of approximately C$1.57 million, including C$420,000 in ERA funding, according to Alberta’s project information.  Dealroom reported the award as approx...

Unlocking Impermeable Geothermal Reservoirs: Hydraulic Stimulation, Menengai and Olkaria

Unlocking the Impermeable Reservoir: Lessons from a 30-Year Reservoir Engineer An Alphaxioms interview with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Context: Menengai East and Olkaria Central. Every geothermal developer knows the moment.  The rig is gone and the money is spent. The well is drilled to depth, the temperature is there, and then the well will not flow. The heat is real, but the connection between the well and the reservoir is not. Wells like this sit at the centre of one of the most important questions in geothermal development: what do you do with a tight reservoir? Walk away and drill again, or find a way to unlock what is already there? To explore the question, Alphaxioms spoke with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Richard brings 30 years of global experience in geothermal energy.  We framed our questions around two settings, Menengai East and Olkaria Central, and asked him how ...

Kaishan Targets 2 GW Kenya Geothermal Development Across Five Fields

Kaishan Targets 2 GW of Geothermal Development Across Kenya Kenya's geothermal sector has opened a potentially significant new chapter after Kaishan Group and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) signed a collaboration framework agreement covering five geothermal blocks in the East African Rift Valley. Signed in Nairobi on September 14, 2026 , the agreement establishes a framework for the two parties to explore potential joint development of Silali, Paka, Korosi, Baringo and Suswa . According to Kaishan, the five areas have potential to support approximately 2 GW of installed geothermal capacity . The headline figure is substantial, but it is important to distinguish between resource potential and committed generation capacity . The framework agreement is non-binding. The parties will first conduct due diligence, assess the resources and negotiate development plans before potentially signing separate binding agreements for individual geothermal blocks. The development coul...