Meta Partners With XGS Energy for 150 MW Geothermal Plant
▼ Summary
– Meta has partnered with XGS Energy to develop a 150 megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico, though specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.
– Geothermal energy is gaining traction among tech companies due to its ability to provide continuous, emission-free electricity, appealing to data center operators.
– Advanced geothermal technology could meet nearly two-thirds of U.S. data center electricity demand by 2030, according to the Rhodium Group.
– XGS Energy uses a closed-loop system to minimize water loss, unlike other startups that rely on open-loop designs where water can seep into the ground.
– Other geothermal startups, like Fervo Energy and Baseload Capital, have also secured significant deals, including partnerships with Google and major funding rounds.
Meta has teamed up with XGS Energy to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico, marking another major tech company turning to clean energy solutions. While specific details about the plant’s location remain undisclosed, the collaboration focuses on advancing geothermal technology rather than an immediate power purchase agreement.
Geothermal energy has gained traction among tech giants and data center operators due to its ability to provide continuous, emissions-free electricity. Unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal systems deliver reliable power around the clock. According to the Rhodium Group, advanced geothermal methods, which tap into deeper, hotter rock layers, could meet nearly two-thirds of U.S. data center energy demands by 2030.
Most geothermal startups use open-loop designs, where water circulates through natural rock fractures, often leading to some loss. XGS Energy takes a different approach with a closed-loop system, sealing water inside wells to minimize waste. The company also employs a proprietary mud mixture around the well casing to enhance heat transfer from surrounding rocks, improving efficiency.
This partnership follows a surge in geothermal investments. Just this week, Fervo Energy secured $206 million in funding for its Cape Station project, set to become the world’s largest geothermal plant. Meanwhile, Google has committed to sourcing 10 megawatts from Baseload Capital in Taiwan and partnered with Fervo for its Nevada data centers.
XGS Energy, which raised $20 million in a Series A round last year, is currently testing a commercial-scale prototype in California. As tech companies increasingly prioritize sustainability, geothermal energy is emerging as a key player in the race to decarbonize data center operations.
(Source: TechCrunch)
