美国正在经历一场地热能革命，从浅层地热交换系统到深层增强型地热技术，多层次的技术突破正在重塑该国能源产业。这场变革既包括城市高 层建筑中的创新应用，也涵盖获得比尔·盖茨和谷歌等科技巨头支持的前沿钻探技术。 上月，美国最大的高层地热交换系统The Riverie在布鲁克林投入使用。这座公寓楼下方钻有320个钻孔，通过利用地球自然恒温特性实现供暖和制 冷。据Scientific American报道，与传统住宅建筑相比，该系统预计每年可减少53%的供暖和制冷碳排放。 与此同时，增强型地热技术正获得快速发展。美国能源部预测，到2050年，增强型地热项目可为美国提供约90吉瓦的无碳能源，足以为至少6500 万户家庭供电。这一新兴领域获得了特朗普政府的明确支持，在美国清洁能源技术中获得两党支持的情况并不多见。 人工智能热潮推动的能源需求激增，正成为地热能投资增长的关键催化剂。科技巨头的深度参与和技术创新的双重驱动，使美国有望在这一新兴 领域成为全球领跑者。 浅层地热系统在城市建筑中突破 The Riverie项目代表了地热交换技术在城市环境中的实际应用。该系统通过相对浅层且易于钻探的钻孔，在冬季将地下相对温暖的温度输送 ...

RENO, Nev., Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ORA) (the “Company” or “Ormat”), a leading geothermal and renewable energy company, today announced that it has entered into a long-term geothermal Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NV Energy to support Google’s operations in Nevada with up to 150MW of new geothermal capacity. The PPA, which will cover a multi-project portfolio, is enabled through NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff (CTT) and is subject to approval by the Public U ...

Core Insights - The U.S. government is auctioning off rights to 245 million acres of public land for geothermal energy development, attracting interest from major companies like Google, Meta, and Shell, as well as influential billionaires [1][4][5] - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is facilitating the increase of geothermal projects, with a notable auction planned for Spring 2025 [2][3] - Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology is being touted as a revolutionary energy breakthrough, with potential to disrupt global energy markets [7][10][12] Geothermal Energy Development - Geothermal leasing activity is currently low compared to oil and gas, with only a few states actively participating in leasing [3] - The upcoming auction in New Mexico is part of a broader trend of increasing interest in geothermal energy, with land leases spiking significantly in recent years [14][15] - The U.S. Department of Energy is heavily supporting EGS technology, aiming for a 90% cost reduction by 2035 [13] Investment Opportunities - Companies like Ormat Technologies are positioned as leaders in the geothermal sector, having a long history and significant market presence [19][20] - Other firms, such as GE Vernova, are also involved in geothermal projects, including contracts with major corporations like Amazon and the U.S. Army [26][29] - The geothermal sector is attracting significant investment, with early-stage companies like Fervo Energy gaining attention for their innovative approaches [32] Market Dynamics - The geothermal market is characterized by high valuations, with companies trading at elevated price-to-earnings ratios, reflecting investor enthusiasm [22][29] - The potential for growth in geothermal energy is substantial, but companies may face challenges in sustaining revenue and earnings growth [21][25] - The historical context of geothermal investments shows a cycle of enthusiasm and consolidation, with many past players exiting the market [39]

Core Insights - The U.S. is a leading country in geothermal energy production, generating approximately 4 GW, with California being the top state due to the Geysers field, the largest dry steam geothermal field globally [1] - Rodatherm Energy Corp. is pioneering advanced geothermal technology with its Advanced Geothermal System (AGS), focusing on a closed-loop system that converts Earth's thermal energy into electricity [1][4] - The geothermal industry is at an inflection point, with advancements in technology and financial aspects expected to drive growth and attract investment by 2026 [2] Industry Overview - The U.S. has 99 geothermal power plants, with the majority located in California and Nevada, and additional plants in states like Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah [1] - Indonesia has the highest estimated reserve capacity for geothermal energy at nearly 28 GW, indicating significant potential for future production [1] Company Insights - Rodatherm completed a $38 million Series A funding round, marking the largest first-round venture raise for a geothermal startup to date, with notable investors including Toyota Ventures and Evok Innovations [1] - The company is conducting a pilot project in Utah to validate its closed-loop technology against traditional water-based systems [1][4] Technology and Economic Factors - Geothermal projects require substantial investments, often in the billion-dollar range, and must demonstrate cost-effectiveness through metrics like CAPEX per MWh and OPEX [2] - Rodatherm's technology utilizes an organic working fluid, which is more efficient than water, potentially increasing power output by 50% and reducing operational costs [4] Market Trends - The integration of geothermal energy with data centers and residential communities is expected to grow, providing secure and affordable energy solutions [3] - The oil and gas industry's involvement in geothermal through hydraulic fracturing is seen as a positive development, potentially accelerating growth and bringing experienced operators into the sector [2]

Core Insights - Vallourec and XGS Energy have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate a multi-gigawatt geothermal project pipeline in the western United States, focusing on a three-gigawatt initiative [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership will secure the supply of tubulars, essential for XGS's water-independent geothermal systems, as XGS begins construction on a 150 MW project with Meta in New Mexico [2] - Vallourec will leverage its engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities to support XGS's solid-state, closed-loop geothermal system [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - For Vallourec, this partnership is a strategic move to expand its New Energies portfolio and aims to position the company as a leading supplier of tubular solutions for advanced geothermal applications [3] - Vallourec's THERMOCASE Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT) is highlighted as a critical component for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of geothermal wells [3] Group 3: Leadership Perspectives - Philippe Guillemot, CEO of Vallourec, emphasized the collaboration's role in energy transformation and the significance of geothermal energy within their New Energies portfolio [4] - Josh Prueher, CEO of XGS Energy, noted that their projects in New Mexico and California will make XGS one of the largest consumers of tubular goods globally by 2027 and 2028 [4] Group 4: Company Backgrounds - Vallourec is recognized as a leader in premium tubular solutions for energy markets and demanding industrial applications, with a workforce of nearly 13,000 across more than 20 countries [5] - XGS Energy focuses on providing clean, round-the-clock energy through its proprietary solid-state geothermal system, which offers geographic flexibility and faster deployment [6]

Core Insights - Ormat Technologies Inc. announced a $25 million equity investment in Sage Geosystems Inc. as part of a Series B funding round exceeding $97 million, aimed at advancing geothermal power generation and energy storage solutions [1][2] Group 1: Investment and Strategic Collaboration - The investment is a significant step in Ormat's strategy to enhance its Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) portfolio and capabilities, expected to accelerate the commercialization of advanced geothermal technologies [2] - Ormat and Carbon Direct Capital co-led the Series B financing, which will support Sage in developing its first commercial next-generation geothermal facility [1][2] Group 2: Technology Development - Sage plans to pilot its proprietary Pressure Geothermal technology at an existing Ormat power plant, focusing on extracting geothermal heat from hot dry rock to expedite the market entry of next-generation geothermal solutions [3] - Upon successful completion of the pilot, Ormat will have the rights to develop, build, own, and operate geothermal power plants and energy storage projects utilizing Sage's technology [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Ormat Technologies has over five decades of experience in the geothermal industry and is the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation, with plans to grow in the energy storage market [4] - The company currently has a total generating portfolio of 1,695 MW, including 1,310 MW from geothermal and solar generation, and a 385 MW energy storage portfolio located in the U.S. [4]

Core Insights - Ormat Technologies, Inc. has been awarded the Telaga Ranu Geothermal Working Area by the Government of Indonesia, enhancing its development pipeline and aligning with its long-term growth strategy in the region [2][3] Company Developments - The Telaga Ranu concession has the potential to deliver up to 40 megawatts (MW) of baseload geothermal capacity, supporting favorable project economics and long-term revenue visibility [3] - Ormat's exploration pipeline in Indonesia now expands to approximately 200 MW, complementing its existing 59 MW operating asset [4] - The company aims to develop nearly 200 MW of projects by the end of 2027, with 121 MW dedicated to geothermal energy across nine projects [7] Industry Context - The geothermal energy market is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.05% from 2026 to 2031, positioning Ormat Technologies to capitalize on favorable market growth trends [6] - Geothermal facilities provide constant, weather-proof electricity generation, which is increasingly important as the effects of climate change intensify [5] Financial Performance - In the past six months, Ormat Technologies' shares have increased by 31.6%, outperforming the industry's growth of 11.7% [11]

Group 1 - Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Performing Utility Stocks in 2025 [1] - The company has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Switch, marking its first direct PPA with a data center operator [3] - Under the PPA, Ormat will supply approximately 13 MW of clean, renewable energy from its Salt Wells geothermal power plant in Nevada, with an option to expand output by adding a 7 MW Solar PV facility [3] Group 2 - Energy deliveries from the agreement are set to begin in the first quarter of 2030, following a major plant upgrade expected to be completed by the second quarter of this year [4] - Roth Capital has maintained a 'Buy' rating on Ormat Technologies, assigning a price target of $125, indicating confidence in the company's growth potential [4]

Core Insights - Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) experienced a share price decline of 9.84% from January 9 to January 16, 2026, ranking among the energy stocks that lost the most during that week [1] - The company, backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman, focuses on developing advanced fission power plants to deliver clean and affordable energy in the U.S. [2] Recent Developments - Earlier in January 2026, Oklo's share price surged by nearly 47% after securing a nuclear power agreement with Meta to develop a 1.2 GW power campus in Ohio, aimed at supporting Meta's data center energy needs, with pre-construction activities set to start in 2026 and the first phase operational by 2030 [3] - Oklo also entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to create a radioisotope pilot plant under the Reactor Pilot Program, which may have contributed to the initial share price increase [3] Market Competition - The recent share price correction may be attributed to profit-taking by investors following the earlier surge [3] - Additionally, Oklo faced pressure from reports that Ormat, a geothermal company, signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with data center operator Switch, leading investors to consider geothermal energy as a viable alternative to nuclear power for supporting the AI sector [4]

Core Insights - Ormat Technologies, Inc. (ORA) has signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Switch, marking its first direct PPA with a data center operator and highlighting its expertise in geothermal energy production [1][10] - The agreement is expected to enhance Ormat's revenue visibility and operational efficiency through the sale of 13 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free geothermal power [3][10] Company Developments - Energy deliveries from the PPA are set to commence in the first quarter of 2030, following an upgrade to the Salt Wells power plant, which is anticipated to be completed by the second quarter of 2026 [2] - The PPA includes potential upside through the addition of a 7 MW solar photovoltaic facility, which could improve overall returns [3][10] - Ormat Technologies aims to recontract over 100 MW of its existing fleet and expand future PPAs, supporting long-term growth [4] Market Position - The geothermal energy market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.65% from 2025 to 2030, positioning Ormat Technologies to benefit from favorable market trends [6] - As of September 2025, Ormat's total capacity reached 1.6 gigawatts, with plans to develop nearly 200 MW of projects by the end of 2027, focusing on geothermal energy across nine projects [7] Industry Context - The shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal power, is accelerating due to climate change concerns, with geothermal plants providing reliable and weather-independent electricity [5] - Other companies in the geothermal sector, such as Baker Hughes Company (BKR) and Halliburton Company (HAL), are also positioned to benefit from the expanding market [8][11]