ABB and Sage Geosystems Partner to Advance Geothermal Energy

ABB and Sage Geosystems have signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) for energy storage and geothermal power generation. This strategic partnership positions both companies at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, leveraging geothermal energy’s potential to deliver consistent, low-carbon electricity.

The collaboration supports Sage Geosystems’ agreement with Meta, aiming to provide up to 150 MW of geothermal baseload power at a site east of the Rocky Mountains. The first phase of this project is scheduled to become operational by 2027, marking a significant milestone in the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.

ABB’s Role in Advancing Global Geothermal Operations

Through this partnership, ABB will deploy its advanced automation, electrification, and digital technologies to enhance geothermal energy operations worldwide. Key areas of focus include:

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Optimizing geothermal plant performance
• Electrical Infrastructure: Designing robust, efficient energy systems
• Digital Solutions: Implementing asset performance management, predictive maintenance, and cybersecurity measures to boost energy efficiency and reliability

These innovations will play a critical role in maximizing the efficiency of geothermal power plants while supporting the global transition to clean energy.

Meeting Data Center Energy Demands with Sustainable Solutions

A key objective of the ABB-Sage Geosystems partnership is to address the rising energy demands of data centers, which require reliable, 24/7 power. ABB’s expertise in digitalization and engineering will be instrumental in optimizing geothermal sites to deliver consistent, eco-friendly power with minimal environmental impact.

Sage Geosystems’ proprietary Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) technology is designed to provide on-demand, clean energy around the clock—unlike traditional renewables that depend on weather conditions. This capability makes geothermal energy an ideal solution for powering data centers and other high-demand industries.

How Geopressured Geothermal Systems Work

The GGS process involves injecting fluid into a man-made subsurface reservoir, where it is heated to temperatures exceeding 150°C. The heated fluid is then brought to the surface, passing through heat exchangers and turbines to generate electricity efficiently. This method offers dual benefits:

• Reliable Renewable Energy Generation
• Energy Storage Solutions to complement intermittent sources like wind and solar

The Growing Market for Geothermal Energy Innovation

Although geothermal energy currently represents just 0.3% of the global power supply, this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. According to Rystad Energy:

• Installed geothermal capacity is projected to grow from 16.8 GW today to 28 GW by 2030
• Projections exceed 110 GW by 2050, driven by increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions
• Over $120 billion in investments are expected in the geothermal sector through 2035

This rapid growth underscores the critical role geothermal energy will play in the future of renewable power.