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Geothermal Energy: The Rising Powerhouse in the Clean Energy Transition

The global energy sector is undergoing a radical transformation, with clean, reliable, and sustainable power sources taking center stage. By: Robert Buluma Among these, geothermal energy stands out as an underutilized but highly promising resource that offers baseload power generation with near-zero carbon emissions.   The rise of advanced geothermal technologies has attracted significant investments, especially from big tech companies seeking sustainable energy solutions for their energy-intensive AI data centers. One such company making headlines is XGS Energy, a geothermal startup that recently closed a $13 million equity bridge round and is preparing for a $60 million to $100 million growth round.   This article explores how XGS Energy and other enhanced geothermal system (EGS) startups are revolutionizing the sector, unlocking geothermal energy potential beyond traditional hotspots, and why investors and technology giants are betting big on this clean energy rev...

JOGMEC Calls for Proposals on Microseismic Technology for Geothermal Exploration

Advancing Geothermal Exploration Through Passive Seismic Techniques By: Robert Buluma The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) has launched a competitive tender inviting qualified firms to contribute to a groundbreaking technological development project. This initiative focuses on refining microseismic array technology to enhance geothermal exploration, providing a cost-effective and adaptable method for identifying potential geothermal resources. Interested applicants have until April 21, 2025 , to submit their proposals. This initiative is part of JOGMEC’s ongoing commitment to advancing geothermal energy through innovative exploration methods. The project, titled "High-Efficiency High-Density Geothermal Exploration Technology – Development of a New Exploration Method Using Elastic Waves," seeks to optimize the detection of geothermal reservoirs by leveraging passive seismic sources. The Role of Microseismic Technology in Geothermal Exploration Tr...

Geothermal Energy’s Moment in the Sun – But Black Swans Are Casting Shade

For years, geothermal energy has lingered in the shadows of wind and solar power. Now, it's stepping into the spotlight, attracting big-name investors, political endorsements, and global attention as a reliable, renewable, and baseload power source. By: Robert Buluma However, while geothermal is experiencing an unprecedented rise, a series of unexpected challenges so-called "black swan" events are casting shade over its growth.   In this article, we’ll explore why geothermal is finally getting the recognition it deserves, why former President Donald Trump has endorsed geothermal while dismissing solar and wind, the high-level negotiations within Chevron and BP on integrating geothermal with oil and gas, and the major hurdles geothermal faces along with strategies to overcome them.   The Rising Popularity of Geothermal Energy 1. A Reliable and Baseload Renewable Energy Source  Unlike wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal energy provides a...

Fervo Energy’s Potential IPO: A Turning Point for Geothermal Energy

The geothermal energy sector is witnessing a significant transformation , and Fervo Energy is at the forefront of this change.  By: Robert Buluma The innovative geothermal startup, known for integrating oil and gas drilling techniques into geothermal energy production, is considering an initial public offering (IPO) as early as next year. This potential move comes at a time when energy demand from data centers is skyrocketing , driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the ever-expanding digital economy. The global push for clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions is creating an unprecedented opportunity for geothermal energy to emerge as a mainstream renewable power source . With substantial financial backing, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking technology , Fervo Energy is reshaping how geothermal energy is developed and deployed. This article explores Fervo’s journey, its technological innovations, the impact of its IPO on the clean energy market...

Vulcan Completes 2D Seismic Survey in the Vorderpfalz Region: A Step Towards CO₂-Free Energy and Sustainable Lithium Extraction

Pioneering the Future of Clean Energy In a significant step towards a sustainable energy transition, Vulcan Energy Resources has successfully completed a 2D seismic survey in the Vorderpfalz region . By: Robert Buluma This marks a crucial milestone in its ambitious project with BASF , aimed at harnessing deep geothermal energy from the Upper Rhine Graben to supply CO₂-free steam for industrial use and district heating. With the growing global emphasis on renewable energy solutions , Vulcan’s initiative aligns perfectly with the broader goals of carbon neutrality , decarbonization of industries , and the sustainable extraction of lithium —a key component in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) . The 2D Seismic Survey: Unlocking Geothermal Potential Since February 24, 2025 , Vulcan deployed up to three vibrotrucks to conduct the seismic survey over a 70 km stretch in the Vorderpfalz region. These specialized vehicles used sound waves to analyze the geological cond...

The Future of Geothermal Energy: How Google Cloud, SLB, and Project Innerspace are Redefining the Game

  The geothermal revolution just got a powerful boost. By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking collaboration, Google Cloud, SLB, and Project Innerspace have joined forces to fast-track the global adoption of geothermal energy, leveraging cutting-edge data analytics, AI, and deep industry expertise. This partnership is not just a technological breakthrough it’s a bold move toward making geothermal energy a dominant force in the clean energy landscape. A Tectonic Shift in Geothermal Development Geothermal energy has long been hailed as the holy grail of clean, baseload power . Unlike solar and wind, it provides constant and reliable electricity, yet its global potential remains largely untapped due to exploration and development challenges . That’s where this alliance steps in. At the core of this partnership is GeoMap , an advanced mapping tool developed by Project Innerspace with contributions from over 100 researchers and scientists. Hosted on Google Earth Engine , GeoMap inte...

Reaching New Depths: QHeat’s First International Licensing Project in Estonia

Pioneering Deep Geothermal Energy in Estonia By: Robert Buluma QHeat, a leading innovator in geothermal well technology, has taken a significant step in its international expansion by licensing its patented coaxial heat well technology for a pilot project in Estonia. Partnering with Engineering Bureau Steiger and the Geological Survey of Estonia, QHeat aims to explore the potential of deep geothermal energy in a region with limited prior research on its crystalline basement.   This milestone project involved drilling a 712-meter deep geothermal well at the Arbavere research center testing the feasibility of low-temperature district heating and cooling. Additionally, QHeat provided consultation for two more pilot projects one in Tallinn (500 meters) and another near Roosna-Alliku (five wells at 500 meters each). The projects, initiated in late 2023, successfully concluded in early 2025, setting the stage for further geothermal advancements in Estonia.   QHeat’s Advanc...