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Unlocking Geothermal Power: Subsurface Secrets of Mount Erciyes Revealed”

Mount Erciyes: A Hidden Geothermal Treasure Beneath Cappadocia By: Robert Buluma Beneath the snow-capped slopes of Mount Erciyes , central Turkey’s highest peak, lies more than just volcanic history  it harbors the promise of geothermal energy . A new study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research has mapped the subsurface of Erciyes using three-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) imaging , revealing zones of high electrical conductivity that point to heat, fluids, and possible magma bodies deep underground. Cracking the Code Beneath the Mountain Researchers led by S.B. Tank used advanced MT techniques to peer beneath Erciyes and its surroundings. Their results uncovered conductivity anomalies   regions where electricity flows more easily due to the presence of saline fluids, hot water, or partially molten rock . For geothermal experts, these anomalies are gold. They act as subsurface fingerprints of geothermal reservoirs , highlighting where heat ...

Kenya’s Energy Crossroads: Gulf Energy Takes Over Tullow Oil in Turkana’s Geothermal-Rich Fields

Gulf Energy  Takes Over Tullow Oil’s Turkana Fields – Oil Drilling to Overlap a Geothermal Hotspot By:  Robert Buluma In a landmark energy shift for Kenya, British explorer Tullow Oil  has officially exited the country after 14 years , selling its Turkana operations to Gulf Energy  in a deal worth Ksh.16 billion (USD 120 million). The transition marks the end of  Tullow's chapter in Kenya and the beginning of a new phase that could reshape not only oil production but geothermal exploration as well. The takeover grants  Gulf Energy full control of the Turkana oil project , situated in a geologically active zone that also happens to host significant geothermal potential. Beneath Turkana’s arid landscapes, volcanic systems create natural heat reservoirs turning the region into a rare frontier where oil and geothermal energy converge. Tullow Oil  first entered Kenya in 2010, striking the Ngamia-1 discovery well in 2012, which ignited hopes of the countr...

Medco Power Launches Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW of Clean Energy”

Medco Power  Kicks Off Geothermal Drilling in Bonjol, Targeting 60 MW Clean Energy By:  Robert Buluma Pasaman, West Sumatra – Indonesia’s transition to clean energy has reached another milestone as PT Medco Power Indonesia , through its subsidiary PT Medco Geothermal Sumatra,  officially began drilling its first geothermal exploration well in Bonjol, Pasaman Regency. The inaugural well, BNJ-1 , was spudded on 11 September 2025 in a ceremony attended by the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah ,  Medco Power President Director Eka Satria , local government leaders, traditional community representatives, and local stakeholders. A Step Toward 60 MW of Renewable Power This drilling marks the first of two planned wells, with a total estimated potential of 60 MW of clean electricity. The project, categorized as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects under the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL 2025–2034), is expected to be completed by the ...

From Iceland to the World: A Geothermal Engineer’s Journey

A Global Journey in Geothermal: Insights from an Industry Expert From Iceland’s pioneering geothermal plants to Kenya’s wellhead projects and Indonesia’s remote fields, few By: Robert Buluma Image: Lydur skulason with a geothermal well head  professionals have had as wide-ranging a journey in geothermal as Lydur Skulason With decades of hands-on experience in marine engineering, power plant operations, and international project management, he has combined technical expertise with global collaboration to help shape the sector’s growth. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his career, insights on geothermal innovation, and his vision for the future of clean energy. Career & Experience Can you walk us through your career in geothermal and how it began? I began my career in Iceland, where geothermal energy is a natural part of daily life and a cornerstone of the national energy system. After studying Marine Engineering and Mechanical Technology at  Reykjavik Univ...

Ahnsbeck Breakthrough: Lower Saxony’s First Deep Geothermal Project Set to Become a Flagship for Clean Energy

First Deep Geothermal Project in Lower Saxony About to Be Implemented – LBEG President Carsten Mühlenmeier: “Ahnsbeck Could Become a Flagship Project” By:  Robert Buluma Sven Krueger, Managing Director of Baker Hughes , shows LBEG President Carsten Mühlenmeier and SVO Managing Director Holger Schwenke (from left) the drilling rig in Ahnsbeck. “We are now here else in Lower Saxony as far along as we are here.” With these words, Carsten Mühlenmeier, President of the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG), made it clear during his visit to the drilling site near Ahnsbeck (Celle district) that just twelve kilometers east of the former ducal residence city, the first deep geothermal project in the state could soon become reality. Baker Hughes has encountered rock layers at around 2,500 meters depth that register temperatures of 113 degrees Celsius. In the future, this heat could be used, for example, to supply buildings with heating. “Up to now, we have issued 42 explorat...

Łódź Geothermal Milestone: Innargi and Geofizyka Toruń Wrap Up Seismic Surveys"

Łódź Reaches a New Milestone in Poland’s Geothermal Journey By:  Robert Buluma Poland’s renewable energy landscape has taken another significant step forward. In Łódź, seismic surveys aimed at mapping geothermal potential have officially been completed marking another chapter in the nation’s transition toward green energy. Earlier this summer, seismic trucks rolled into the heart of Łódź, covering 160 kilometers of subsurface across the city center and surrounding areas . In just four weeks finishing ahead of schedule the data collection phase was wrapped up. This work builds on similar surveys conducted earlier in Poznań, with both cities forming part of a larger geothermal exploration effort. Why This Matters Seismic surveys are more than just technical exercises. They provide vital insights into the geothermal resources beneath Poland’s largest urban areas , helping scientists and energy planners determine how renewable heat can be harnessed to power district heating systems...

Szczecin Launches Geothermal Drilling Project to Harness Clean Energy

Szczecin Bets on Geothermal Energy: Tender Announced for First Exploration Well By:  Robert Buluma On September 23, 2025, the city of Szczecin officially launched a tender for the construction of its first geothermal exploration well at Dąbska Street. This marks a major milestone in the city’s energy transition, as Szczecin looks to tap into the natural heat beneath its soil as a modern and sustainable energy source. Backed by National Environmental Funding The investment is valued at 12.9 million PLN, with most of the financing secured from the  National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW). The project is part of the national program “Making Thermal Waters Available in Poland”, which supports municipalities in exploring and utilizing geothermal energy for heating and power generation. Thanks to this funding, Szczecin plans to drill the Szczecin GT-2 well to a depth of nearly 2,000 meters. At this depth, experts expect to encounter geothermal water...