Around the world in geothermal energy

Geothermal power is not a new concept. It has long provided opportunities for the supply chain, particularly in operations and maintenance, and in developing technology that enhances output and performance across legacy assets. Geothermal flash plants also provide critical baseload renewable energy, which is vital as a compliment to for harnessing increasing increased wind and solar power.   

Today, with innovation, rising demand, and net-zero ambitions, geothermal is entering new markets. 

The demand is so high for geothermal energy, in fact, that it’s estimated to amount to 98.74 billion kWh worldwide by the end of 2024, and production is expected to grow 1.68% annually over the next five years. Let’s look at some of the markets embracing geothermal energy. 

North America 

The United States continues to be a leader in geothermal energy, with new projects in states like California, Nevada, and Utah. In 2023 alone, the US generated 17 billion kWh from its geothermal plants.  

​​Recent advancements have focused on enhancing the efficiency of existing plants and exploring new geothermal fields. These developments mean that the US’s geothermal capacity could increase 20 times by 2050, generating a whopping 10% of the country’s electricity.​​​ 

​​One of the largest major geothermal energy projects in recent years is the Fervo Energy project in Utah. Beginning in 2023, the project plans to deliver 400 MW of clean geothermal energy to the grid. As well as a push to increase geothermal energy’s role in the US’s renewable energy landscape, the project is also expected to create nearly 7,000 jobs to grow the country’s economy.​​ economy.​ 

East Africa 

Kenya is rapidly expanding its geothermal capacity with projects like the Olkaria Geothermal Plant, which is one of the largest in the world. 

​​This expansion is part of Kenya’s strategy to increase renewable energy in its grid. In fact, the country already sources 91% of its energy from renewables – 47% of which is from geothermal sources – and hopes to transition fully to renewables by 2030.​​​ 

​​The Menengai III geothermal power plant in Kenya is a recent example of the country’s efforts to harness geothermal energy. Located in the Rift Valley, known for its geological activity, it was finally commissioned in 2023 to provide a geothermal capacity of 35 MW. This helps to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, and helps establish Kenya as a leader in the geothermal field.​​fuels, and helps establish Kenya as a leader in the geothermal field.​ 

Southeast Asia 

The Philippines has long been a geothermal powerhouse, and new investments are aimed at upgrading old plants and tapping into new geothermal resources. The country is also exploring binary-cycle technology to make use of lower-temperature resources. 

​​In addition, Indonesia is investing heavily in geothermal energy to meet growing electricity demands and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Projects in regions like Sumatra and Java are key to these efforts.​​​ 

​​The Rantau Dedap geothermal power plant in Indonesia, for example, began its commercial operations in early 2022 with a $700 million investment. As one of the leading geothermal energy producers globally, this project is another example of how Indonesia is successfully  harnessing the country’s geothermal potential.​ 

New Zealand 

Known for its significant geothermal resources, New Zealand produced around eight thousand GWh of electricity from geothermal power in 2023, making up roughly 17% of the country’s overall power that year.  

​​To build on its sustainable development and goal to minimize environmental impact, New Zealand continues to invest in both expanding existing geothermal facilities and developing new ones.​​​ 

​​The new Tauhara geothermal power project, located on New Zealand’s North Island, is one of the largest geothermal developments in the country with a capacity of 184 MW. The project is a major step towards the country’s efforts to expand its renewable energy infrastructure and achieve 100% renewable energy utilization by 2030. ​ 

Success Story: Powering up with refits and upgrades

​​​EthosEnergy is proud to be a part of the energy transition toward renewable energy, and our team offers the best expertise and solutions to help companies all over the world better harness geothermal energy.​​ 

Retrofits, upgrades, and redesigns of equipment can be faster, more cost-effective, and less carbon intensive. We champion this approach by offering tailored solutions that boost performance and extend equipment life. 

One of our ​projects in Utah demonstrated this approach perfectly. After analyzing the outdated equipment – installed in 1982 – we upgraded the 55 MW unit with a Rockwell ControlLogix system and critical field instrumentation.  

The project included some steam path changes as well. This resulted in a massive turbine boost to 84 MW, making it a huge success and providing a consistent steam path system, updated safety logic, and increased plant flexibility. 

The retrofit meant that we were able to identify and implement enhancements to solve lingering problems for the plant, improving plant performance. This then translated into improved availability and decreased maintenance costs. 

Harness geothermal energy with EthosEnergy

​​​At EthosEnergy, we make sure our customers have a front-row seat to the exhilarating race toward renewable power. ​​ the exhilarating race toward renewable power. ​​ 

​​Our solutions and expertise aid in projects for the geothermal sector, and join in the movement to reduce emissions, reach net-zero goals, and safeguard energy security.​