ABB, Sage and Meta: Partnering to Boost Geothermal Energy

ABB has partnered with Sage Geosystems to usher in a new era of low-carbon energy storage and power generation solutions.

This partnership, cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to enhance the deployment of Sage's pioneering Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) technology — a strategic move to position geothermal energy as a cornerstone in the worldwide shift towards sustainable power.

In this collaboration, ABB will integrate its expertise in automation, electrification and digital technologies into Sage's geothermal projects, which exploit the earth's intrinsic heat to generate clean electricity.

One of the key outcomes anticipated from this partnership is a deal with Meta, the umbrella entity for platforms like Facebook and Instagram, aiming to supply up to 150MW of geothermal baseload power at a location east of the Rocky Mountains.
"We are using our role as one of the largest corporate buyers of clean energy on the globe to spur progress in firm, clean energy," says Urvi Parekh, Head of Energy at Meta.

The initial phase of this project is expected to be operational by 2027.

Harnessing the earth's natural heat

While often overshadowed by more publicised renewables like solar and wind, the potential of geothermal energy is vast.

In the US alone, it's estimated that the natural heat resources could power more than 65 million homes.

Unlike many renewable sources, geothermal energy offers a consistent and on-demand energy supply, marking it as an integral piece in the puzzle towards a low-carbon economy.

Sage's GGS technology operates by injecting fluid under pressure into a subsurface reservoir, where it heats up to temperatures more than 150°C. This stored heat can then be harnessed via heat exchangers and turbines to produce electricity.

This not only delivers baseload power but also acts as an energy storage solution that complements intermittent renewables like wind and solar.

“We are focused on scaling our proprietary Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) technology and our partnership with ABB will advance the widespread deployment of next-generation geothermal," says Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems.

"Unlike traditional renewable energy sources, geothermal solutions, including energy storage and baseload power generation, can provide an on-demand source of clean energy that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” she continues.

Scaling up geothermal energy

Currently, geothermal energy contributes a mere 0.3% to the global electricity supply.

However, with installed capacity at 16.8GW globally, projections indicate a rise to 28GW by 2030 and surpassing 110GW by 2050.

This expected growth could potentially attract more than US$120bn in investments by 2035.

ABB's involvement illustrates a robust confidence in the future of geothermal energy.

The company will explore ways to deploy its sophisticated digital and automation technologies at geothermal sites, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reliability.

This could range from providing distributed control systems and electrical infrastructure to implementing digital tools for asset performance management and cybersecurity.

“To be able to exploit the potential of geothermal energy to enable a low-carbon society, we need cross-industry collaborations to drive advancements in the technology," says Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries.

"Sage’s GGS offers the ability to produce low carbon electricity, as well as an energy storage solution, and can play an important role in the energy transition alongside other measures.”

A sustainable future powered by heat

The pressing nature of the climate crisis necessitates energy solutions that are not only sustainable but also scalable.

While solar and wind energies remain major players in the renewable landscape, the consistent, around-the-clock power provided by geothermal places it as a vital component in future energy strategies.

As nations strive towards net zero targets, endeavours such as the ABB-Sage partnership could serve as a model for extensive geothermal development globally.

With escalating demands for clean energy and support from major industry players, geothermal energy is poised to become a notably more influential part of the global energy transition.

ABB and Sage's collaboration exemplifies how the combination of technological innovation and engineering expertise can tap into the full potential of this often-underappreciated natural resource.

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