Sage Geosystems Brings First Next-Gen Geothermal Plant Online

Sage Geosystems has achieved a major breakthrough in the field of geothermal energy by bringing its first next-generation geothermal plant online in Texas. This innovative system is the third of its kind to connect to the U.S. grid, and it has been operating reliably since April.

The 3-megawatt pilot plant has performed as predicted after more than 120 days of grid-connected operations. This achievement is a significant step forward for Sage Geosystems, and it is expected to inform and de-risk an upcoming collaboration in Nevada with Ormat Technologies.

Sage's enhanced geothermal system involves drilling deep into hot rocks and fracturing them to create water pockets, which are then used to generate power. This approach is distinct from traditional geothermal plants, which rely on specific geological conditions.

The success of Sage's pilot plant is a promising outcome for the company and the larger universe of enhanced geothermal systems. According to Cindy Taff, Sage's CEO, the relatively limited water loss from the underground system is a significant advantage. Sage lost less than 10% of the water that it cycled through the Texas system on multiple occasions.

This achievement is expected to enable enhanced systems to scale commercially at a competitive cost. The net power output that can be produced from these technologies is likely to increase as water loss is curbed.

Sage is now primarily focused on meeting the nation's growing demand for around-the-clock clean electricity. The company plans to begin drilling its first well at one of Ormat's conventional geothermal plants in Nevada later this year. Sage will provide the hot water it produces to Ormat to generate electricity at the existing facility.

The company has lined up about a gigawatt's worth of projects on paper, and it expects to start producing electricity in 2027 and reach full-scale production in 2028. Once that happens, Sage will begin working with Meta to start developing 150 MW of next-gen geothermal power somewhere east of the Rocky Mountains.

## Next-Generation Geothermal Plants

| Feature | Sage Geosystems | Ormat Technologies | Fervo Energy | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Location | Texas | Nevada | Nevada, Utah | | Capacity | 3 MW | 1.7 MW (demonstration) | 3.5 MW, 500 MW | | Status | Online | Offline (demonstration) | Online, under construction |

## Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Enhanced geothermal systems involve drilling deep into hot rocks and fracturing them to create water pockets, which are then used to generate power. This approach is distinct from traditional geothermal plants, which rely on specific geological conditions.

Sage's enhanced geothermal system has been shown to be efficient and reliable. The company lost less than 10% of the water that it cycled through the Texas system on multiple occasions. This achievement is expected to enable enhanced systems to scale commercially at a competitive cost.

## Future Plans

Sage Geosystems plans to begin drilling its first well at one of Ormat's conventional geothermal plants in Nevada later this year. The company will provide the hot water it produces to Ormat to generate electricity at the existing facility.

Sage expects to start producing electricity in 2027 and reach full-scale production in 2028. Once that happens, the company will begin working with Meta to start developing 150 MW of next-gen geothermal power somewhere east of the Rocky Mountains.