Latest news with #geothermal
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ormat completes Blue Mountain Nevada geothermal plant acquisition
Ormat Technologies has finalised its acquisition of the Blue Mountain geothermal power plant from Cyrq Energy, increasing its electricity segment generating portfolio to 1,268MW. The $88m deal transfers 100% equity interest in the 20MW facility, which was originally constructed with Ormat's technology. Located in the US state of Nevada, the Blue Mountain facility is currently engaged in a power purchase agreement (PPA) with NV Energy that will terminate in late 2029. In alignment with its strategic expansion plans, Ormat aims to upgrade and expand the existing geothermal plant by an estimated 3.5MW. Further enhancing its renewable energy footprint, Ormat has proposed adding a new 13MW solar installation to supply auxiliary power to the Blue Mountain site. The addition requires permits and PPA approval. Ormat Technologies CEO Doron Blachar stated: 'The acquisition of the Blue Mountain geothermal power plant enhances our portfolio and reinforces our commitment to sustainable base-load energy solutions. 'This acquisition not only immediately increases our generating capacity but also provides the potential for a significant upside in revenue generation through our planned upgrades and the potential addition of a solar facility. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with NV Energy as we deliver reliable and clean energy to the people of Nevada.' In addition to the current acquisition, Ormat Technologies entered a hybrid tax equity partnership worth $62m with Morgan Stanley Renewables in May 2025. The financial collaboration encompasses the Lower Rio energy storage facility, which boasts a capacity of 60MW/120 megawatt hours.. Ormat is engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation, with plans to speed up long-term growth in the energy storage market. The company's existing total generating portfolio is 1,558MW with a 1,268MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio, and a 290MW global energy storage portfolio in the US, Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras and Guadeloupe. "Ormat completes Blue Mountain Nevada geothermal plant acquisition" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Meta Goes Underground': Tech Giant Joins U.S. Startup to Build 150-Megawatt Geothermal Powerhouse Deep Below Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Meta partners with XGS Energy to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico. with XGS Energy to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico. 🔄 XGS Energy employs a closed-loop system to prevent water loss and enhance heat absorption. to prevent water loss and enhance heat absorption. ⚡ Geothermal energy offers a constant, emission-free power source , ideal for tech companies with large energy needs. , ideal for tech companies with large energy needs. 🌐 Tech giants like Meta and Google are embracing geothermal energy as part of their clean energy strategies. Meta, the tech giant known for its innovative strides, has taken a significant step forward in the realm of renewable energy. By partnering with XGS Energy, Meta is venturing into the world of geothermal energy, a move that aligns with the growing need for sustainable and reliable power sources for its extensive data centers. This strategic collaboration aims to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico. Unlike traditional power agreements, this partnership focuses on advancing geothermal technology, showcasing Meta's commitment to pioneering energy solutions. As the demand for energy-intensive applications like artificial intelligence and cloud computing surges, Meta's initiative underscores the critical need for dependable and emission-free electricity. XGS Energy's Closed-Loop Advantage XGS Energy distinguishes itself in the geothermal sector with its innovative closed-loop system. Traditional geothermal setups typically involve an open-loop system where water is injected into the Earth, traverses through natural fissures, and is then extracted. However, this method often results in water loss, as some water seeps into the ground. XGS Energy's approach eliminates this issue by using a closed-loop system. This system circulates water within a sealed well, ensuring no water is lost during the process. 'Japan Reinvents Solar Power': These Ultra-Thin Flexible Panels Could Revolutionize Global Energy Markets in the Next 12 Months Moreover, XGS employs a unique heat-transfer mud that surrounds the well casing, enhancing heat absorption from the surrounding rock. This cutting-edge technology is still being refined, but with $20 million raised in Series A funding, XGS is on track to develop a commercial-scale prototype in California. The collaboration with Meta is a pivotal opportunity for XGS to scale its technology, potentially meeting a significant portion of the electricity demand projected for U.S. data centers by 2030. China's Massive Nuclear Laser Project Exposed by U.S. Satellite—This Shocking Military Development Could Tip the Balance of Power Geothermal Energy Heats Up Across Tech The geothermal energy sector is witnessing a surge in interest, particularly among tech companies seeking to diversify their renewable energy sources. Meta's partnership with XGS Energy is a testament to this trend. Recently, Fervo Energy, another geothermal innovator, secured $206 million to expand its Cape Station power plant, which is poised to become the world's largest geothermal facility. Such developments highlight a growing confidence in geothermal energy as a viable alternative to traditional renewables like solar and wind. 'This Coding Trick Cuts 30% of Power Use': Data Centers Worldwide Could Be Transformed by This Shockingly Simple Energy Hack Google is another major player exploring geothermal energy solutions. The company has agreements with Fervo to supply energy to its Nevada data centers and has also signed deals to acquire geothermal power for its operations in Taiwan. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy offers a consistent, round-the-clock power source, making it an attractive option for tech companies with substantial energy needs. The Strategic Importance of Geothermal Energy For tech companies, the shift toward geothermal energy is strategic. As renewable energy needs intensify, tech giants are realizing the limitations of solar and wind, which depend heavily on weather conditions. Geothermal energy, in contrast, provides a stable and uninterrupted power supply directly from beneath the Earth's surface. This reliability is crucial as companies like Meta and Google expand their global data center operations, which require enormous amounts of power to function efficiently. The ongoing development of geothermal technology could revolutionize the energy landscape for tech companies. By investing in and partnering with geothermal startups, these companies are not only securing their energy futures but also contributing to advancing clean energy technologies. As these efforts continue, geothermal energy could play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of some of the world's largest energy consumers. As Meta and other tech giants continue to explore the untapped potential of geothermal energy, they are setting a precedent for the industry. By investing in innovative energy solutions, these companies are not only addressing their own energy needs but also paving the way for a more sustainable future. What new breakthroughs will we see next in the realm of renewable energy, and how will they shape the future of technology and sustainability? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (25)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Underground US facility could unlock nearly limitless energy source: 'Something that's never been done before'
A lab buried deep beneath South Dakota could help unlock a clean energy source so reliable it could power over 65 million homes and businesses, reported Renewable Energy Magazine. And thanks to a breakthrough U.S. Department of Energy project, this kind of energy might be closer than you think. The Center for Understanding Subsurface Signals and Permeability, located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, is a multi-institutional collaboration led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Its mission is to make enhanced geothermal systems viable nearly anywhere on Earth. Here's how it works: An enhanced geothermal system, or EGS, injects water deep underground to be heated by the natural geothermal heat of the Earth. Then, it returns to the surface as hot water or steam to power turbines that generate electricity. It's a genius way to tap into the Earth's natural heat to create clean, nearly limitless energy. But there's a catch. These engineered underground reservoirs can clog over time as minerals accumulate, similar to how old household pipes get blocked up. "The big unknown is how long these reservoirs will last," said Kevin Rosso, director of CUSSP. "We are seeing successful EGS pilot projects all around the world right now that prove this technology works. But we don't know if these underground reservoirs will continue to produce heat effectively at the same rates for decades." That's where CUSSP comes in. Researchers are studying how underground systems behave in real time, using advanced sensors to track water chemistry, pressure, temperature, and more at SURF's geothermal test bed. "That's one of the exciting things about this location. Here we have control over water temperature, water chemistry, and we know the rock types, and that's something that's never been done before," Rosso said. That precision lets scientists better understand problems and build better models for geothermal plants. Geothermal energy could be a key part of a cleaner, healthier future for all by stabilizing grids and slashing the pollution overheating our planet. Not only will it make energy more reliable and affordable, but reduced air pollution is a move toward safeguarding public health. The use of EGS has already caught the attention of tech giants such as Google, which recently partnered with Project Innerspace and SLB to advance the adoption of geothermal energy. But CUSSP is taking it further by solving long-term challenges, making sure EGS can stay efficient, affordable, and scalable. Beyond science, this work supports a clean energy workforce. With over 40 researchers and students involved, CUSSP is joining geochemists, engineers, and data scientists to help lead the transition away from dirty energy. Should we be digging miles beneath Earth's surface? No way Definitely Depends what it's for Depends where we do it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "It's really exciting to see multiple disciplines coming together, rallying around a really focused problem," said Rosso. One way homeowners can take advantage of the clean energy shift is to install solar panels, which can bring energy bills down to $0. EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes from local installers, and you can save up to $10,000 on installation. For anyone who can't install panels, growing community solar options allow you to get in on the savings. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Unlimited Geothermal Energy Is Real': Ultra-Deep Fracturing Breakthrough Promises Infinite Clean Power, Scientists Confirm
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Recent advancements by the EPFL could transform geothermal energy into a sustainable global power source. could transform geothermal energy into a sustainable global power source. 🔬 Researchers demonstrated the ability to fracture ductile rocks at supercritical depths, allowing water circulation. at supercritical depths, allowing water circulation. 🚀 Companies like Quaise Energy are exploring innovative drilling technologies using particle accelerators. are exploring innovative drilling technologies using particle accelerators. 💡 The potential for large-scale geothermal exploitation may revolutionize the global energy landscape. The quest for abundant and clean renewable energy has long faced technical and economic hurdles. However, recent advancements from the Laboratory of Experimental Rock Mechanics (LEMR) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) bring significant hope. Published in Nature Communications, these findings reveal that even at supercritical depths, where rock becomes viscous and semi-plastic, geological formations can be fractured to allow water circulation. This development could transform geothermal energy into a source capable of meeting global energy needs in a clean and sustainable manner for millions of years. Untapped Potential Beneath Our Feet Geothermal energy, known for its stability and cleanliness, remains a marginal energy source, primarily confined to specific geographical areas like volcanic regions. The main limitation lies in the depth required to reach the hot rocks, an extremely costly and technologically complex operation. Yet, beneath Earth's surface lies an almost infinite energy source: the planet's internal heat. Tapping into this energy on a large scale could help solve two of the world's greatest challenges: the climate crisis and energy shortage. This resource is termed supercritical when, at depths of several miles, water reaches temperatures over 750 °F, becoming a fluid with both liquid and gas properties. This supercritical fluid can transfer significantly more energy than water at lower temperatures, potentially increasing geothermal power plant output tenfold compared to traditional plants. The primary challenge is drilling to these extreme depths. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Reaching depths where water becomes supercritical is a monumental task. The current drilling record is about 7.5 miles, achieved by Russia's Kola borehole. However, to widely exploit supercritical geothermal energy, drilling would need to extend even deeper, often to distances still inaccessible with current drilling technologies. If such deep drilling is perfected, geothermal plants could be installed almost anywhere on Earth, including at former coal power plant sites, which already have infrastructure like grid connections and steam turbines. The Crucial Role of Fracturing One major technical question surrounding supercritical geothermal energy is the ability to circulate water through very deep rocks. At such depths, rock formations no longer behave like those near the surface. Rather than being hard and brittle, they become more ductile, deforming plastically. This ductility long led geologists to believe it impossible to fracture them, a process crucial for increasing the contact area between water and rocks. 'Half the Time to Mars': This Spinning Liquid Uranium Engine Could Redefine Deep Space Travel for Future Missions This is where EPFL's research, led by Gabriel Meyer, provides a breakthrough. By replicating the extreme temperature and pressure conditions encountered at these depths, researchers observed how rock behaves when transitioning from a brittle to a ductile state. Utilizing sophisticated equipment, including a triaxial gas apparatus and 3D imaging with a synchrotron, they analyzed rock samples under high pressure. The results are surprising: although rock becomes plastic, it retains the ability to be fractured under certain conditions, akin to 'Silly Putty', a material that is both liquid and solid. If left undisturbed, it flows slowly like a liquid, but a quick shock breaks it like glass. According to Meyer, 'geologists long believed the lower limit for water circulation in Earth's crust was the brittle-ductile transition point. But we've shown water can also circulate in ductile rocks.' 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Future Prospects for Geothermal Energy The EPFL's findings offer a promising future for geothermal energy. Companies like Quaise Energy, a coastal startup, aim to show that instead of using drill bits that easily break at such depths when temperatures rise, super-deep geothermal wells can be drilled using particle accelerator technology originally developed for fusion energy. Firms such as Fervo Energy and Sage Geosystems have already demonstrated the effectiveness of fracturing in traditional geothermal plants. With these new advancements, it's conceivable these techniques could apply to supercritical geothermal projects, exponentially increasing energy production. Moreover, new records pave the way for large-scale geothermal energy exploitation, potentially revolutionizing our global energy landscape. As these innovative approaches continue to develop, the potential for geothermal energy as a cornerstone of global energy solutions becomes increasingly tangible. How will these advancements shape the energy landscape in the coming decades, and what role will geothermal energy play in addressing the world's growing energy demands? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (26)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Liberty School District J-4 Secures $1.9M in Geothermal Funding from the Colorado Energy Office, with Millig Design Build Partnership
DENVER, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has awarded Liberty Schools J-4 School District a total of $1.9M in funding as part of a State initiative to support geothermal HVAC projects across Colorado. Funding from CEO was made available through three sources; The Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP); The Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO); and The Public Buildings Electrification Grant (PBEG). The district received funding from all three sources. GEGP and GETCO funding is specifically designated for HVAC renovations that utilize geothermal technology. The awarded PBEG funds will support the cost of transitioning from fossil fuels to high-efficiency electric heat pumps that will serve as the building's primary heat source. Liberty School District selected Millig Design Build as their comprehensive turnkey service provider. Millig will be responsible for the complete project cycle; including initial design development, full-scale implementation of the geothermal HVAC systems, and ongoing post-construction support. "Partnering with Millig Design Build from the onset of this project has been seamless and the best decision for our district" said Rhonda Puckett, Liberty's Superintendent, "Millig was instrumental in securing nearly $2M in grant funding through the Colorado Energy Office. Millig guided Liberty School District through every step of the process, and we truly could not have done any of this without them. It's clear that Millig understands the unique needs of our district and has truly invested in our school and our vision for a sustainable future." Liberty School's facilities currently include several failing systems that require immediate attention. These include a completely failed gymnasium's heating unit and an outdated hydronic system. Additionally, the absence of both a cooling system and a ventilation system raises concerns about the comfort, health, and safety standards within the building. "Unfortunately, hydronic heating systems in these older school buildings were not designed for adequate cooling or ventilation, a challenge Liberty School District has faced for many years," said Aaron Tilden, PE, Senior Project Developer, Millig Design Build. "We are proud to be selected as their turnkey service provider for this crucial initiative. It is time to bring this facility into the 21st century with a state-of-the-art ground-source HVAC system that will help provide a healthy, safe, and comfortable learning environment." The Millig team performed a thorough facility analysis and is moving forward with plans to install a new Ground-Coupled Variable Refrigerant Flow system which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling, while Energy Recovery Ventilators will ensure optimal indoor air quality and a new Packaged Rooftop Unit for the gymnasium will address the previous heating unit failure. The project will be completed in two phases, all construction is scheduled to be completed by Fall of 2025. About Millig Design BuildMillig Design Build is an integrated engineering, design, and construction firm specializing in turnkey facility improvements that address energy efficiency, building health and safety, and core infrastructure needs. We serve clients nationwide from four strategic offices in Kansas; Colorado; Oregon; and Washington; For more information, visit Media Contact Information:Veronica Guerrero | vguerrero@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Millig Design Build Sign in to access your portfolio
