How ABB, Sage & Meta Are Unearthing Geothermal's Potential

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Sage Geosystems‘ Geopressured Geothermal System (GGS) energy storage facility | Credit: Sage Geosystems
ABB and Sage Geosystems partner to scale geothermal energy, integrating automation and digital tech to power Meta’s data centres and drive sustainability

Technology giant ABB has joined forces with geothermal energy innovator Sage Geosystems to develop a new generation of low-carbon energy storage and power generation solutions.

The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to advance the deployment of Sage’s Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) technology, a process that could position geothermal energy as a key player in the global transition to sustainable power.

Top row (left to right): Ramesh Trikkadikunnath, Director - Strategic Pursuits, ABB Energy Industries; Brianna Byrd – Operations Engineer, Sage Geosystems; Jason Peart – General Manager of Strategy and Development, Sage Geosystems; Michael Hill – Senior Power Plant Engineer, Sage Geosystems; Vijay Rengaraju - Global Industry Business Manager, Power Generation (New Energies), ABB Energy Industries; Troy Hobson - Head of Account Management, ABB Energy Industries | Bottom row (left to right): Dr Lev Ring – President, Sage Geosystems; Cindy Taff – Chief Executive Officer, Sage Geosystems; Tilak Pinnamaneni - Vice President, US Division Manager, ABB Energy Industries; Mark Zyskowski - Vice President, US Sales, ABB Energy Industries

The collaboration will focus on integrating ABB’s automation, electrification and digital technologies into Sage’s geothermal projects, which leverage the earth’s core heat to produce clean electricity.

Among the key targets of this partnership is an agreement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to supply up to 150 MW of geothermal baseload power at a site 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 the project is scheduled to become operational by 2027.

Urvi Parekh, Head of Energy at Meta | Credit: Urvi Parekh

Harnessing the earth’s natural heat

Geothermal energy is often overshadowed by solar and wind, yet its potential is immense. In the US alone, it is estimated that natural heat resources could provide electricity to more than 65 million homes.

Unlike other renewables, geothermal can deliver a consistent and on-demand energy supply, making it a crucial component in the move towards a low-carbon economy.

Sage’s GGS technology operates by injecting fluid under pressure into a subsurface reservoir, where it is heated to temperatures exceeding 150°C.

The stored heat energy can then be extracted through heat exchangers and turbines to generate electricity.

Not only does this system offer baseload power, but it also provides an energy storage solution that can work alongside 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.

Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems | Credit: Sage Geosystems

Scaling up geothermal energy

Despite its advantages, geothermal currently accounts for just 0.3 per cent of global electricity supply. However, industry forecasts suggest significant growth ahead.

Installed geothermal capacity stands at 16.8 GW worldwide, but this is expected to rise to 28 GW by 2030 and exceed 110 GW by 2050. The anticipated expansion could attract investment of over US$120 billion between now and 2035.

ABB’s involvement in this collaboration signals confidence in geothermal’s future. The company will explore ways to deploy its digital and automation technologies at geothermal sites, optimising efficiency and reliability.

This may include supplying distributed control systems (DCS), electrical infrastructure and 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,” he continues.

Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries | Credit: Per Erik Holsten

A sustainable future powered by heat

The urgency of the climate crisis demands energy solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.

While solar and wind remain dominant in the renewable sector, geothermal’s ability to provide consistent, round-the-clock power gives it a crucial role in the future energy mix.

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As countries push towards net zero targets, projects like the ABB-Sage partnership may provide a blueprint for expanding geothermal capacity on a global scale.

With rising demand for clean energy and the backing of major industrial players, geothermal energy appears poised to become a more prominent force in the global energy transition.

ABB and Sage’s partnership is just one example of how technology and engineering expertise can unlock the full potential of this often-overlooked resource.


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