ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

Croatia Approves Geothermal Exploration in Kotoriba: No Full Environmental Impact Study Required By: Robert Buluma Croatia has taken a decisive step forward in its clean energy transition with a new approval that underscores its commitment to renewable energy development. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has ruled that the upcoming geothermal exploration project in Kotoriba—specifically in Zones 2 and 3—does not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This decision effectively allows Viola Energy Generation d.o.o. to proceed with drilling up to four geothermal exploration wells, marking a major milestone for the country’s geothermal sector. As Europe accelerates its shift toward sustainable and energy-secure solutions, Croatia’s proactive stance positions it as a rising leader in geothermal development within the region. A Strategic Decision for Croatia’s Renewable Energy Future In its resolution dated 30 October 2025 , the Ministry concluded...

Orca: The World’s First Large-Scale Carbon Dioxide Removal Plant in Iceland By:  Robert Buluma Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant is run by  ON Power  a subsidiary of  Orkuveita Reykjavíkur  whilst the Orca carbon removal is owned by  Clime works In the global fight against climate change, few innovations stand out as boldly as  Orca —the world’s first large-scale direct air capture and storage (DAC+S) plant. Located in the scenic geothermal hub of Hellisheiði, Iceland, Orca represents a groundbreaking leap from climate vision to engineering reality. A Landmark Moment: Orca is Launched On  September 8, 2021 , Orca officially began operations, marking a new era in carbon dioxide removal. As the largest operational DAC+S plant on Earth, its mission is simple yet revolutionary: capture CO₂ directly from the atmosphere and lock it safely underground, permanently removing it from the carbon cycle. This milestone positioned Iceland—and the world—at the ...

Eavor’s Breakthrough Geothermal System Set to Power Germany: Faster Drilling, Innovative Tech, and a New Era for Closed-Loop Geothermal Germany is on the brink of a geothermal milestone as Canadian startup Eavor Technologies prepares to bring its innovative closed-loop geothermal system online in Geretsried. After two years of ambitious drilling, technical breakthroughs, and field-tested innovation, the project is expected to start producing clean power later this year—marking a major leap forward for next-generation geothermal energy. This groundbreaking development not only accelerates Germany’s push toward renewable energy independence, but also solidifies Eavor as a global leader in advanced geothermal solutions. A New Benchmark for Advanced Geothermal Eavor’s Geretsried facility has captured global attention for one reason: it proves that geothermal energy can be deployed faster, deeper, and more efficiently than ever before. After receiving a $107 million grant from the E...

OMV Halts Graz Geothermal Project: What It Means for Renewable Energy By:  Robert Buluma OMV cancels its deep geothermal project for Graz district heating, highlighting the risks and lessons for renewable energy projects. Discover what this means for future geothermal initiatives. OMV’s OMV’s Surprising Stop on Graz Geothermal Project Austria’s ambitious geothermal project aimed at supplying half of Graz’s district heating has been abruptly canceled. Initially envisioned as a major step in decarbonizing the city’s heating network, the project faced delays and contractual disagreements that ultimately led OMV to halt the initiative. The decision has sent ripples through the Austrian energy sector, raising questions about governance, risk, and renewable energy planning. The Significance of the Project The canceled geothermal initiative was valued at nearly €0.5 billion and had the potential to transform Graz’s energy landscape. Currently, the city relies on a small fraction ...

Doğal Hayat Geothermal plans to drill an exploration well in Yeşilyurt, Ayvacık, Türkiye, to assess local geothermal potential for sustainable agriculture and tourism. By: Robert Buluma The project’s main goal is to evaluate the local geothermal potential and explore sustainable uses for agriculture and tourism. The plan includes drilling an exploration well (YO‑01) on parcel 160, block 7, within the company’s geothermal licence area (access number 3248844). The site spans roughly 9,000 m² of privately owned land, strategically chosen for its geothermal potential. Because the land is classified as an olive grove, all operations will comply with Turkey’s Olive Tree Law (No. 3573) and Soil Protection and Land Use Law (No. 5403). The regulatory authority has determined that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/ÇED) is not required at this stage. If geothermal resources are confirmed, Doğal Hayat Geothermal plans to develop tourism and agricultural applications, including thermal to...

Earth Sciences NZ wins $2.6M Marsden Fund to develop green ammonia, geothermal energy solutions, and volcanic monitoring for a sustainable NZ future. By:  Robert Buluma New Zealand is set to make major strides in energy innovation, sustainability, and volcanic risk management after Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) secured $2.6 million in funding from the prestigious Marsden Fund . Four groundbreaking research projects will explore everything from green fuels to untapped geothermal energy and the hidden workings of  New Zealand’s volcanoes. Cracking the Seismic Code Beneath Volcanoes Volcanoes in New Zealand, from Ruapehu to Whakaari/White Island, pose persistent risks to communities and industries. Despite decades of monitoring, predicting eruptions remains challenging due to the complex signals of seismic activity, ground deformation, and gas emissions. Dr. Pasan Herath is leading a pioneering project using distant earthquakes to map underground volcanic plumbing systems ....

Deutsche Erdwärme Starts Long-Term Geothermal Test in Graben-Neudorf By:  Robert Buluma After months of inactivity, the geothermal project in Graben-Neudorf (Karlsruhe district) is springing back to life. Deutsche Erdwärme has initiated a long-term test to evaluate the productivity of its 3,600-meter-deep borehole. The test, expected to run for two to three weeks, is seen as a critical step in determining the feasibility of large-scale geothermal energy production at the site. The central question: Is the geothermal well as productive as Deutsche Erdwärme anticipates? According to reports by SWR, water will be pumped into the underground reservoir, followed by seismological measurements and pressure tests. These activities aim to determine the operational conditions required for safely running a future geothermal plant. Herbert Pohl, CEO of Deutsche Erdwärme, noted that such a long-term test is unprecedented in Germany and in the Upper Rhine Valley. While geothermal exploration...