ABB to Supply Tech for 500MW Utah Geothermal Energy Project

ABB has secured a contract to supply advanced motor control solutions for what is set to become the world's largest next-generation geothermal development by installed capacity.

The Swiss-Swedish engineering group will provide equipment and technology for Fervo Energy's Cape Station project in southwest Utah, which is expected to deliver 500MW of carbon-free baseload power to the grid once fully completed.

Cape Station stands as a symbol of expansion of enhanced geothermal systems in the US, both in terms of technology and sheer scale.

The horizontal drilling techniques used in this project have been adapted from those often used in the oil and gas industry.

This practice should give Fervo access to a bounty of previously untapped geothermal resources.

What exactly does this agreement entail?

ABB's side of the deal will involve the delivery of more than 80 medium voltage drives to the site, which will manage the project's pumping equipment.

The package also includes medium voltage motors, generators, low voltage motor control centres and medium voltage switchgear to support multiple aspects of the project.

ABB will also supply prefabricated eHouses designed to house the well pad drive systems and associated electrical infrastructure.

"ABB is recognised globally for delivering reliable, high-performance electrification and motor control solutions for critical energy projects," says Tim Latimer, CEO and Co-Founder of Fervo Energy.

"Their proven track record, and ability to advise, develop and execute at scale made ABB the clear choice again for Cape Station project."

A new approach to geothermal energy?

Fervo Energy is something of a disruptor when it comes to geothermal energy, insofar as its approach to development differs from conventional projects which typically rely on naturally occurring hydrothermal reservoirs.

Instead, Fervo's strategy encompasses drilling horizontal wells in geothermal reservoirs, allowing multiple wells from a single well pad.

This method reduces surface footprint and minimises drilling risks whilst unlocking geothermal resources that were previously considered too difficult or uneconomic to access.

The technique has drawn interest from utilities and corporate energy buyers seeking firm, dispatchable renewable energy that can complement intermittent solar and wind generation.

Enhanced geothermal systems have long been considered promising but have faced technical and commercial challenges that limited deployment at scale.

How ABB and Fervo are positioning themselves for the energy transition

Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Motion, believes that this partnership is helping to reinforce his company's position in the renewable energy sector.

"Our strategic partnerships with innovative clean energy producers like Fervo Energy reinforce our commitment to expand the potential of reliable, renewable energy sources with our proven electrification technologies available today," he says.

"We are excited by Fervo Energy's work and in particular the potential of Cape Station to contribute to a sustainable energy future."

The deal builds on ABB's existing relationship with Fervo Energy, with Tim's reference to ABB being "the clear choice again" suggesting a productive and amicable business relationship between the two firms.

What is the market for geothermal energy like right now?

The ramping up of the Cape Station project comes at a time when utilities and grid operators are looking to add firm capacity to support growing electricity demand from data centres, manufacturing reshoring and electrification of transport and heating.

In this era, geothermal energy appears a rather unique proposition.

Unlike oil or gas, it does not have to contend with fuel supply risks or trade volatility, and, unlike other renewable sources including wind and solar, it can deliver consistent rather than intermittent supplies of energy.

The 500MW capacity of the project should be enough to power around 355,000 homes annually, according to Fervo's own estimates.

Its location in southwest Utah means that it will be able to serve load centres in the western US, which is a region experiencing rapid growth in electricity demand.

Cape Station's development schedule suggests first commercial operations could begin within months, with full build-out extending over the following year.

The project's success could influence deployment of enhanced geothermal systems elsewhere in the US and internationally, particularly in regions with suitable geology but limited conventional hydrothermal resources.