Articles tagged with "geothermal-energy"
Geothermal & Borehole Thermal Energy Storage Can Reliably Heat Buildings in Extreme Cold — NREL Modeling Results - CleanTechnica
A recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) demonstrates that borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) combined with geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) can reliably heat buildings in extreme cold climates such as Alaska. The research, published in June 2025, modeled a 20-year period in which waste heat from a nearby coal plant was captured during summer, stored underground in boreholes, and then used in winter to heat two Department of Defense buildings in Fairbanks. The BTES system uses a network of vertical boreholes filled with a water-antifreeze solution to store and transfer heat, allowing the geothermal heat pumps to efficiently warm buildings without relying on cold outdoor air. Using EnergyPlus software, researchers found that heating demand in these cold-climate buildings was 5.6 times higher than cooling demand, a typical pattern for regions with long, harsh winters and mild summers. The study modeled two scenarios: one with a five-year prehe
energygeothermal-energyborehole-thermal-energy-storageheat-pumpssustainable-heatingcold-climate-energy-solutionsNREL-researchUS museum finds 67-million-year-old dinosaur fossil under asphalt
In January 2025, a geothermal test drilling project beneath the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s parking lot unexpectedly uncovered a partial dinosaur fossil buried 763 feet underground. Radiometric dating identified the vertebra as belonging to a herbivorous ornithopod dinosaur, such as Thescelosaurus or Edmontosaurus, from approximately 67.5 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. This discovery marks the deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver city limits, providing a rare glimpse into the prehistoric ecosystem that existed just before the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. The find was hailed as both scientifically and historically significant by museum experts, who described it as an extraordinary and rare occurrence, especially given it was uncovered during a drilling project aimed at assessing geothermal energy potential. Supported by a $250,000 grant from Colorado’s Geothermal Energy Grant Program, the project is part of a broader state initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by exploring sustainable energy alternatives. The
energygeothermal-energyfossil-discoverydinosaur-fossildrilling-projectDenver-BasinpaleontologyFinal GOP bill kneecaps renewables and hydrogen, but lifts nuclear and geothermal
The recently passed Republican reconciliation act, approved by a narrow 218-214 vote and awaiting President Donald Trump’s expected signature, significantly rolls back key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) related to clean energy incentives. The bill reduces or eliminates tax credits for solar, wind, and clean hydrogen projects, while preserving some benefits for nuclear, geothermal, and battery storage technologies through 2033. Solar and wind developers must now either connect projects to the grid by the end of 2027 or begin construction within 12 months of the bill’s passage to qualify for tax credits, tightening timelines compared to previous legislation. This shift is likely to impact sectors reliant on rapid deployment of renewable energy, such as data centers and climate tech startups, with green hydrogen companies facing particularly steep challenges as their tax credits are set to expire by 2027—five years earlier than under the IRA. While geothermal, nuclear, and battery storage incentives remain largely intact, new restrictions related to “foreign entities of concern” could
energyrenewable-energyclean-energynuclear-powergeothermal-energyhydrogen-fuelenergy-policyBeyond CATF's Biased Analysis: Why Firm Power Isn't The Full Answer - CleanTechnica
The article critiques a recent report by the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) that argues for moving beyond Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) as the sole metric for evaluating energy technologies, emphasizing the need to account for system-level integration costs of intermittent renewables like solar and wind. While the article agrees that LCOE is incomplete—ignoring costs related to storage, flexibility, transmission, and capacity value—it contends that CATF’s favored alternatives, such as nuclear power, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and carbon capture-equipped fossil plants, are presented with significant bias. These technologies, often labeled as ideal firm power sources by CATF, also have substantial integration challenges and costs that the report downplays or ignores. Specifically, nuclear power’s inherent inflexibility requires continuous operation at steady output to remain economically viable, necessitating costly supplementary flexibility services like pumped hydro storage to manage grid variability. Similarly, EGS depends on stable thermal reservoirs and high capacity factors, but its
energyrenewable-energynuclear-powergeothermal-energyenergy-storagegrid-integrationenergy-economicsSenate GOP bill spares nuclear and geothermal energy while hammering wind and solar
Senate Republicans have introduced a budget reconciliation bill that significantly scales back renewable energy incentives established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), particularly targeting solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. The bill proposes ending residential solar tax credits within 180 days of enactment and disqualifying solar leasing companies from receiving credits, which would severely impact the residential solar market. Commercial wind and solar projects would face a shortened timeline for tax credits, with full credits only available for projects starting within six months of the bill’s signing and phased reductions thereafter, disappearing entirely after 2027. Hydrogen tax credits would also end this year, creating additional challenges for hydrogen startups. In contrast, the bill largely spares geothermal, nuclear, hydropower, and long-duration energy storage technologies, with only slight extensions to their tax credit phase-outs. Carbon capture incentives would be modified to eliminate distinctions based on the use of captured carbon, making all projects eligible for the same credit level. Notably, the inclusion of long-duration energy storage could
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerwind-energynuclear-energygeothermal-energyenergy-policyGeothermal Industry Sends A 163-Gigawatt Letter To Fossil Fuels
The article discusses the renewed focus on geothermal energy in the United States amid President Donald Trump’s second term, which prioritized coal, oil, gas, and geothermal energy under a “National Energy Emergency” declaration issued on January 20. While traditional renewables like wind and solar were excluded from this emergency status, geothermal energy, along with biofuels and hydropower, was recognized as a critical energy resource. Despite this inclusion, legislative support—particularly tax provisions in the federal budget bill (BBB)—has yet to fully materialize, leaving geothermal’s financial incentives uncertain as Congress debates the final bill. Significantly, the US geothermal industry is poised for growth, bolstered by new Department of Energy research and development programs that leverage enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology. This approach uses advanced drilling techniques adapted from oil and gas to create viable geothermal power sites beyond the limited traditional locations west of the Rockies. A recent US Geological Survey assessment revealed that New Mexico alone holds an estimated 163 gigawat
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyUS-energy-policybiofuelshydropowerenergy-infrastructureStartups Weekly: No sign of pause
The article "Startups Weekly: No sign of pause" highlights the continued dynamism in the startup ecosystem despite major industry events like WWDC, with June seeing numerous significant deals and IPO announcements. It underscores that startup trajectories are often nonlinear, exemplified by neobank Chime’s near-collapse in 2016 before its highly anticipated IPO. Other notable startups include Nucleus Genomics, which offers controversial embryo genetic testing, and Automattic, the WordPress.com owner, which continues to support its personal CRM app after raising substantial venture capital. The piece also details key venture capital and funding developments, spotlighting several large and strategic investments. Multiverse Computing raised about $215 million for its technology that reduces the size and cost of large language models, while enterprise AI company Glean’s valuation surged to $7.2 billion. Other highlighted startups include Fervo Energy, backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Catalyst for geothermal projects; German nuclear fuel startup Proxima Fusion; delivery robot company Coco Robotics
energygeothermal-energyfusion-energyroboticsdelivery-robotsAI-integrationstartup-fundingMeta partners with US energy startup for 150 MW geothermal plant
Meta has partnered with US geothermal startup XGS Energy to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico. Unlike a traditional power purchase agreement, this collaboration aims to advance geothermal energy development rather than directly securing power for Meta. The exact location of the plant remains undisclosed. This move reflects a growing trend among tech giants to incorporate geothermal energy into their clean energy strategies, given its ability to provide reliable, 24/7 emission-free electricity—an increasingly critical factor for energy-intensive data centers supporting AI and cloud computing. XGS Energy distinguishes itself with a closed-loop geothermal system that circulates water through a sealed well, preventing water loss common in traditional open-loop systems. The company also uses a proprietary heat-transfer mud to enhance heat absorption from surrounding rocks. Although still in development, XGS has raised $20 million in Series A funding to build a commercial prototype in California, with the Meta partnership potentially accelerating large-scale deployment. Research suggests advanced geothermal systems could supply up to two-thirds
energygeothermal-energyclean-energyMetaXGS-Energyrenewable-energypower-plantMeta teams with XGS Energy to build a 150 MW geothermal power plant
Meta has partnered with startup XGS Energy to develop a 150 megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico, marking the tech giant’s growing interest in geothermal energy as a clean, reliable power source. While specific details about the plant’s location and the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Meta clarified that the agreement is aimed at advancing geothermal development rather than a direct power purchase contract. This move aligns with a broader trend among tech companies and data center operators who are increasingly exploring geothermal energy due to its ability to provide continuous, emission-free electricity. XGS Energy differentiates itself with a closed-loop geothermal system that circulates water within a sealed well, minimizing water loss, and uses a proprietary mud to enhance heat transfer from surrounding rocks. This technology contrasts with more common open-loop designs that lose some water to the ground over time. The partnership reflects growing momentum in the geothermal sector, with other startups like Fervo Energy securing significant financing to build large-scale plants and companies such as Google investing in geothermal
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyMetaXGS-Energypower-plantsustainable-technologyFervo Energy lands $206M in financing to build massive geothermal power plant
Fervo Energy, a leading geothermal startup, has secured $206 million in financing to advance the development of Cape Station, poised to be the world’s largest enhanced geothermal power plant located in Utah. The project’s initial phase is expected to begin operations next year, generating 100 megawatts of electricity, with a planned expansion in 2028 adding an additional 400 megawatts. Enhanced geothermal technology, which accesses deeper and hotter underground heat than traditional methods, offers a promising, emissions-free, and continuous power source, particularly appealing for energy-intensive applications like AI data centers. The technology also benefits from expertise derived from the oil and gas industry, potentially aiding its regulatory and political support. The financing package includes $100 million in preferred equity from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, Bill Gates’s investment arm, an additional $60 million loan from Mercuria, and $45.6 million in bridge debt from X-Caliber Rural Capital. This funding follows Fervo’s recent achievement of drilling its hottest and deepest
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energypower-plantclean-energyenergy-financingsustainable-energyQuaise "Proof Of Concept" Demo Goes Live In Texas - CleanTechnica
Quaise, an MIT spinoff, is pioneering a novel geothermal drilling technology that uses high-powered microwaves generated by gyrotrons to bore through hard rock such as basalt and granite. This approach aims to reach superhot zones located up to 12,000 feet (about 2 to 4 kilometers) beneath the Earth's surface, where temperatures exceed 374º C (700º F). At these depths, water can be converted into supercritical steam, which is highly efficient for generating electricity. Quaise envisions tapping into this vast geothermal heat as a nearly limitless, clean energy source capable of meeting global electricity demands for millions of years. The concept originated from Paul Woskov’s fusion research at MIT, where he realized that gyrotrons—powerful microwave sources used to heat plasma—could be repurposed to vaporize rock and create deep boreholes. In 2018, Carlos Araque and Matt Houde joined Woskov to found Quaise, combining expertise from MIT and the oil and gas industry. Recently, Quaise completed its first proof-of-concept demonstration near Houston, Texas, where their microwave drilling technology successfully penetrated 10 feet into granite within an existing oil well. Although this is an early milestone far from the ultimate goal of drilling miles deep, the company emphasizes its mission to become a geothermal developer providing abundant, reliable, and affordable clean energy worldwide, rather than merely selling drilling equipment.
energygeothermal-energyclean-energydrilling-technologymicrowavesfusion-researchsustainable-powerBonanza Of Gas Killing Geothermal Energy Discovered In US
geothermal-energyrenewable-energyenhanced-geothermal-systemsenergy-generationUS-Department-of-EnergyNevada-geothermalfossil-fuelsCuộc đua khai thác năng lượng từ lòng đất
energygeothermal-energyclean-energydrilling-technologyrenewable-resourcesenergy-productionsustainable-energy