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University of Rhode Island Pioneers Sustainable Energy: Ocean Frontiers Building Powered by Geothermal Innovation

URI Embraces Geothermal Innovation: Ocean Frontiers Building to Run on Clean, Subsurface Energy By: Robert Buluma The University of Rhode Island (URI) is taking bold strides toward a low-carbon future — and geothermal energy is at the heart of its latest breakthrough.  As part of the Narragansett Bay Campus revitalization, the new Ocean Frontiers Building will be powered by a cutting-edge geothermal heating and cooling system, replacing the aging Horn Laboratory with a modern hub for ocean science research. With institutions around the world racing to decarbonize, URI’s geothermal leap stands as a model for sustainable campus infrastructure, demonstrating both scientific rigor and forward-thinking environmental stewardship. Tapping the Earth for Clean Power Beginning in early 2024, URI’s Facilities Group initiated discussions on integrating geothermal energy into the campus. After assessing feasibility, the team drilled an 850-foot geothermal test well — a deep subsurface p...

“Europe’s Geothermal Future Turns a New Page: Inco-Drilling Lands Major Directional Drilling Contract in Northern Germany”

Inco-Drilling  Secures Major Directional Drilling Contract in Northern Germany — A Landmark Moment for Europe’s Geothermal Future By :  Robert Buluma The future of Europe’s clean-energy transition just received a powerful push forward — and Inco-Drilling is standing at the center of this transformative milestone. In a major announcement, Inco-Drilling revealed that it has been awarded the directional drilling services and supply of drilling bits for one of Northern Germany’s largest geothermal projects, an ambitious development comprising nearly ten wells. This achievement not only reinforces the company’s technological leadership but also marks a meaningful leap for geothermal energy adoption across the region. A Project That Shapes the Energy Landscape of Berlin and Beyond As Europe accelerates its shift toward sustainable and resilient energy systems, Germany is emerging as one of the continent’s strongest geothermal champions. The new project — expected to serve communiti...

Unlocking America’s Hidden Power: Congressman Fulcher’s Bold Push for Geothermal Energy and Lower Energy Costs

Congressman Russ Fulcher Introduces Landmark Bill to Unlock Geothermal Energy and Lower Costs Across the U.S. By:  Robert Buluma WASHINGTON, D.C., November 25, 2025 – U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) has reintroduced a pivotal piece of legislation designed to accelerate geothermal energy development in the United States. The bill, H.R. 5576 – the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, aims to streamline the permitting and exploration process for geothermal projects, placing geothermal energy on par with oil and gas exploration on public lands. As energy demand in the United States surges, driven by rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and high-capacity data centers, the need for reliable and clean baseload energy has never been more critical. Geothermal energy, a stable and renewable resource, offers a significant solution, yet its development has long been hampered by federal regulations and lengthy permitti...

Arverne’s New Geothermal Drill Could Unlock a Billion-Dollar Lithium Treasure

Arverne Launches First Geothermal Drilling for the Lithium de France Project in Alsace By:  Robert Buluma Published: November 24, 2025 Location: Pau, France In a milestone moment for Europe’s geothermal and critical-minerals sectors, Arverne (ARVEN) — France’s leading geothermal solutions provider — has officially begun drilling the first geothermal doublet for the groundbreaking Lithium de France project in Schwabwiller, Alsace. This launch marks a major step toward establishing Europe’s first integrated geothermal-lithium production ecosystem. A New Chapter for European Geothermal Innovation According to the company, drilling operations have begun precisely on schedule following extensive site preparation. The geothermal doublet, which includes a production well and a reinjection well, will start at 10 meters apart on the surface and expand to nearly 1 kilometer of horizontal separation at a depth of 2,400 meters. This phase is crucial. The initial drilling campaign will verify...

Scotland Breaks Ground: NHS Grampian and TownRock Energy Launch First Deep Geothermal Heating Plant

Scotland’s First Deep Geothermal Heating Plant: NHS Grampian and TownRock Energy Explore Renewable Future By:  Robert Buluma Scotland is taking a significant step toward renewable energy with the potential construction of its first deep geothermal heating plant in Aberdeen. A recent Scottish Government-funded feasibility study, conducted by TownRock Energy in partnership with NHS Grampian , has revealed the immense potential of harnessing geothermal energy beneath the city. This groundbreaking initiative could transform heating systems, reduce carbon emissions, and support the local community in tackling rising energy costs. Feasibility Study Highlights Geothermal Potential The desk-based study, completed by TownRock Energy, examined three different geothermal technologies for the Foresterhill Health Campus . The study concluded that an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) , reaching depths of 3.5km to 5km, would provide the most efficient and reliable source of renewable heat. ...

GeoHardt Unveils Mannheim Site for First Geothermal Heating Plant to Boost Renewable Energy

GeoHardt GmbH announces Mannheim site for its first geothermal heating plant in Rheinau, supporting MVV’s goal of 100% renewable district heating and driving the city’s energy transition. By: Robert Buluma GeoHardt GmbH has officially revealed its first geothermal heating plant site in Mannheim, marking a major milestone for renewable energy in the region. The selected location, in the southeastern part of Mannheim’s Rheinau district, will serve as the foundation for what could become a series of up to three geothermal heating plants planned by the company. This initiative aligns with MVV’s ambitious goal of transitioning district heating to 100% renewable energy, positioning Mannheim as a leader in Germany’s energy transition. Strategic Location: Franzosenhäusel in Mannheim The chosen site, known locally as Franzosenhäusel, is situated between the Bundesstraße B36 and the A6 motorway, south of Hallenbuckel Street. Covering an area of approximately 28,000 square meters, the site will...

OMV GeoTherm NL BV Takes Over Major Parts of Shell’s Dutch Geothermal Portfolio

OMV GeoTherm NL BV Takes Over Major Segments of Shell Geothermie’s Dutch Geothermal Portfolio By:  Robert Buluma In a significant development for the Dutch geothermal sector, a new and highly experienced international player has stepped into the arena. OMV Green Energy GmbH—operating in the Netherlands under the name OMV GeoTherm NL BV —has officially taken over a large portion of Shell Geothermie’s geothermal portfolio . This transition marks an important moment for the growth, diversification, and continued professionalization of geothermal energy development in the Netherlands. With this move, OMV becomes a central actor in several high-potential geothermal projects across Rotterdam, Capelle , and Rijnland , reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting renewable energy systems across Europe. A New Powerhouse in Dutch Geothermal Development OMV, headquartered in Austria, is internationally recognized for its extensive knowledge of subsurface geology, drilling techno...