Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) has embarked on its first overseas geothermal research project in partnership with PT Geo Dipa Energi (GDE), marking a significant milestone in its geothermal business activities.
Next-generation geothermal energy may soon be a cost-competitive way to fill the need for clean, firm power in the USA, according to a new report by McKinsey & Company.
It estimates that around US$900mn in private capital has been channeled toward next-generation geothermal technologies and projects in the past five years.
However, anticipated cost decreases — coupled with the urgent and growing need for additional power supply — may draw even more attention to the sector in the coming years.
“Our analysis suggests that more than 780 megawatts of letters of intent and power purchase agreements (PPAs) have been signed over the past two years, and approximately one gigawatt of next-generation geothermal projects is in various stages of development,” McKinsey notes in the report.
The document also singles out two next-generation approaches closest to market: Enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) and Advanced closed-loop systems (ACLs).
EGSs use hydraulic fracturing to create subsurface fractures through hot rock three to five km below the surface.
Water injected into a well absorbs heat while traveling through the fractures and exits through another well to the surface where the heat is converted to electricity.
ACLs create a radiator-like, closed-loop system of horizontal wells filled with fluid.
These loops are deeper in the ground — four to eight km — potentially increasing the cost relative to EGSs.However, having a closed loop reduces overall water demand, which could boost feasibility in arid regions.
Most importantly, McKinsey notes, industry costs could drop significantly in the next decade.
“Improvements in technology derived from unconventional oil and gas drilling have combined with growing energy demand to push next-generation geothermal from a niche option to a cost-competitive choice in some areas, with strong potential to become cheaper over the next decade,” the report states.
It estimates that levelised production costs for a first-of-a-kind, commercial-scale (more than 50 megawatts) next-generation geothermal facility in the US could range from US$75 to US$120 per megawatt-hour.
Exploration, drilling, and power plant capital expenditures make up more than 70% of costs.
But by 2035, costs of next-generation geothermal technology in the US could fall to about US$45 to US$65 per megawatt-hour, according to the report.
“Although other clean-energy sources will also experience cost decreases over the same period, we expect next-generation geothermal to outcompete other sources of clean, firm power,” McKinsey notes.
Earth Sciences New Zealand has signed an agreement with Beca to help unlock the large energy opportunity geothermal presents as well as expand New Zealand’s renewable impact within the Indo-Pacific region.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has successfully leased two geothermal parcels in Malheur County, Oregon, totaling 5,235 acres of public land.
The Philippines’ Department of Energy has formally inaugurated the Energy Development Corporation’s 22MW Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant in Sorsogon City, underscoring the DOE’s commitment to balancing sustainable energy development with economic growth.
Quaise Energy, a pioneer in grid-scale superhot geothermal technology, has reached a critical milestone by successfully drilling to a depth of 100 meters at its Central Texas field site using millimeter wave technology.
Massey University scientists are leading a major new research project in partnership with NASA to monitor geothermal fields in New Zealand from space.
The German Geothermal Association (BVG) has broadly welcomed updated plans put forward by Berlin to advance geothermal energy adoption in the country.
It called the new Geothermal Acceleration Act (GeoBG) a “milestone for geothermal energy in Germany” but also proposed various amendments and additions.
The proposals put forward by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy aim to introduce new laws that could simplify and accelerate geothermal projects in Germany and heighten investor security.
With GeoBG, Germany is finally set to create an independent ‘master law’ for geothermal energy, the Association noted in a statement.
It also praised the government for fast-tracking its geothermal plans ahead of the summer recess.
“The fact that the government is taking this issue into account by putting the law on the agenda before the summer break is an important commitment to the expansion of geothermal energy,” it added.
BVG Managing Director Gregor Dilger called the new rules of “paramount importance” in order to expand the role of geothermal energy in the country.
He also called for further measures to achieve equality for geothermal with other forms of renewable energy, such as wind energy.
"Geothermal energy can make a central contribution to climate protection, long-term stable energy prices and security of supply,” said Dilger.
“Geothermal energy is available anywhere and at any time," he added.
"No fuels have to be imported for their use and their supply routes have to be secured, and technologically, we in Germany have all the skills in our own hands.”
Arverne Group has received a €396,585 grant from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, with support from the European Social Fund, to enhance geothermal drilling training.
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has announced Adams County will receive funding for two projects to support geothermal heating initiatives.
Exergy International, a specialist in advanced geothermal binary power plants, has secured a €24.5 million contract from EDA Renováveis (EDAR) for the upgrade of the Ribeira Grande geothermal plant located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced a groundbreaking partnership between XGS Energy and Meta to develop 150MW of advanced geothermal energy in New Mexico.