ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

A New Chapter for Geothermal Exploration in NRW: A Major Research Drilling Project The Geologischer Dienst Nordrhein-Westfalen (GD NRW) has just launched an exciting new phase in its mission to unlock the geothermal potential of the region. On September 9, 2024, the official announcement was made for the launch of a research drilling project, marking a significant milestone in NRW's efforts to tap into sustainable energy resources. This ambitious project is focused on exploring the geothermal capacity of the "Kohlenkalk" rock layer, with the aim of drilling up to 1,000 meters deep. The insights gained from this project could shape the future of renewable energy in the region and contribute to the ongoing transition towards clean, sustainable power. The seismically driven preliminary investigations have already indicated promising results, adding to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming drilling scheduled for March 2025. A Multi-Phase Approach to Innovation The researc...

Cowi  to Spearhead 100MW Geothermal Power Plant Expansion in Iceland: A Leap Toward Renewable Innovation By:  Robert Buluma In a major stride toward sustainable energy development, Cowi , a leading engineering firm, has secured the design contract for the expansion of the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant in Iceland. This ambitious project, driven by ON Power , will see the plant's capacity increase by 100MW, further solidifying Iceland's commitment to harnessing its geothermal potential.  The Hellisheidi plant, located just 18km from Reykjavik, serves as a cornerstone for Iceland's energy landscape, providing both electricity and hot water for domestic heating. With the ongoing expansion, the plant’s heating output will rise from 200MW to 300MW, ensuring more homes and businesses in Reykjavik benefit from geothermal energy. A Legacy of Excellence Cowi's  involvement in the Hellisheidi project dates back to its early phases, when the firm, formerly known as Mannvit ...

GDC Partners with EGENCO to Unveil Malawi's Geothermal Potential: A New Era in Energy Exploration By: Robert Buluma In a significant move towards diversifying Malawi's energy portfolio, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has joined forces with the Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO) to explore the untapped geothermal resources within the Rift Valley. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the country's energy landscape, bringing with it the promise of a sustainable and reliable power source derived from the earth's natural heat. Malawi's geothermal potential has long been hinted at by the presence of hot springs scattered throughout the Rift Valley, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 75 degrees Celsius. These natural indicators of geothermal activity have piqued the interest of energy experts and scientists, but it wasn't until 2023 that concrete steps were taken towards harnessing this potential. Now, under the guidance of Dr. Maxon Ch...

Baseload Capital Secures €53M in Series B Funding: A Major Leap for Geothermal Energy In a powerful stride towards revolutionizing the global energy landscape, Baseload Capital Sweden AB has successfully closed a €53 million Series B funding round. This monumental achievement signals a significant leap in scaling up geothermal energy—one of the world’s largest untapped and sustainable energy resources. The Power Behind the Funding Leading the charge in this Series B round is ENGF, a distinguished infrastructure fund backed by Ingka Investments, the financial powerhouse of the Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer. The round also attracted investments from energy technology giant Baker Hughes, Nefco, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Gullspång Invest. This robust investment lineup underscores the growing confidence in Baseload Capital's vision to unlock the geothermal energy sector's potential on a global scale. A Vision to Transform the Energy Sector Baseload Capital is not ju...

Pioneering Energy Innovation: Exergy and PT PLN Indonesia Forge a Groundbreaking Partnership By: Robert Buluma In a world increasingly driven by the urgency of climate action, Exergy and PT PLN Indonesia have embarked on a visionary partnership that promises to redefine energy efficiency in the region. This collaboration, centered on the innovative use of waste heat recovery (WHR) technology, is not just another step in the evolution of sustainable energy—it’s a leap. Imagine harnessing the heat typically lost in power generation and converting it into something truly valuable: electricity. This is precisely what Exergy's state-of-the-art Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems are designed to do. By capturing waste heat from gas turbines and engines, these systems can transform what would have been wasted energy into a powerful resource, reducing the need for fossil fuels and cutting down on harmful emissions. But this partnership is about more than just technology—it's about the ...

Orkuveitan’s Ambitious Geothermal Drilling Project: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future By :  Robert Buluma In a landmark move toward bolstering Iceland’s energy security and sustainability, Orkuveitan, the Reykjavik-based energy company, has launched a significant tender process for its latest geothermal drilling initiative. This project, which aims to drill 35 new exploratory and water extraction wells by the end of 2028, marks the largest water procurement venture in recent years. With its eyes set on a carbon-neutral future, Orkuveitan is taking a crucial step forward in ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s geothermal resources. The primary goal of this extensive drilling project is twofold: to secure long-term water supply for the nation’s heating needs and to explore new geothermal fields that hold potential for future development. The company’s approach to this project reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, utilizing electric drilling rigs to minimize...

Sage Geosystems and Meta Unveil a Groundbreaking Geothermal Power Partnership: A New Era of Clean Energy Innovation By: Robert Buluma In an unprecedented move that promises to reshape the landscape of renewable energy in the United States, Sage Geosystems (Sage) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) have announced a pioneering agreement to harness the power of next-generation geothermal energy. This partnership, revealed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Catalyzing Next Generation Geothermal Development Workshop, marks the first implementation of advanced geothermal power east of the Rocky Mountains—a milestone that could catalyze a seismic shift in how we meet our growing energy demands. The deal between Sage and Meta, which aims to deliver up to 150 MW of new geothermal baseload power to support Meta’s rapidly expanding data centers, is more than just a business agreement. It is a statement of intent, showcasing the critical role that clean, firm, and resilient power sources will pl...