Endless Clean Energy: 350,000 California Homes to be Powered by Fervo Energy’s 320 MW Geothermal Deal with SCE

July 4, 2024
1 min read
Reliable Next-Generation Geothermal Energy. ( Photo Source: Fervo Energy )
Reliable Next-Generation Geothermal Energy. ( Photo Source: Fervo Energy )

California’s major power company, Southern California Edison (SCE), has agreed to purchase geothermal energy from startup Fervo Energy. These 15-year contracts will supply energy to approximately 350,000 households across Southern California, supporting the state’s transition to cleaner energy. Fervo Energy produces electricity using Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology and is currently developing a geothermal power plant project in Utah known as “Cape Station.” This project aims to create 100 geothermal wells with and is expected to be connected to the grid by 2026, with full power production starting in 2028, potentially generating up to 400 MW of endless clean power.

Fervo Energy announced through a statement that they have signed two power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 320 MW with Southern California Edison. These agreements pertain to Fervo Energy’s Cape Station project, expected to generate 400 MW once completed. The first phase of 70 MW is set to be operational by 2026, followed by the second phase in 2028.


Similar Post


This deal was prompted by regulatory authorities in California requiring utility companies to procure 1,000 megawatts of cleaner energy that can be used more frequently than existing wind and solar power plants by 2026. This has sparked interest in geothermal power, which can operate 24/7. According to David Hochschild, Chairman of the California Energy Commission, “Enhanced geothermal systems complement our abundant wind and solar resources by providing critical base load when those sources are limited.”

Fervo’s innovative drilling technology, adapted from the oil and gas industry, meets this increasing demand for continuous renewable energy. Initial drilling results, published in February 2024, show faster drilling times and overall cost reductions at the Cape Station project. These positive results support ongoing commercialization and readiness for large-scale agreements like this geothermal PPA, the largest in the world to date.

“Geothermal stands as the dependable and adaptable solution essential for California’s journey towards a fully decarbonized grid,” says Dawn Owens, VP, Head of Development & Commercial Markets at Fervo Energy. “As electrification increases and climate change burdens already fragile infrastructure, geothermal will only play a bigger role in U.S. power markets. Fervo looks forward to continuing to meet these needs, providing firm, clean power to help balance California’s energy portfolio.”

Since 2021, Fervo has signed several contracts, including a 53 MW agreement with community choice aggregators in California and a partnership with Google to develop the first next-generation geothermal power plant dedicated to a corporation. Fervo’s commercial pilot in Nevada, operational since November 2023, provides carbon-free electricity to Google’s local data center grid.

Sunita Somvanshi

With over two decades of dedicated service in the state environmental ministry, this seasoned professional has cultivated a discerning perspective on the intricate interplay between environmental considerations and diverse industries. Sunita is armed with a keen eye for pivotal details, her extensive experience uniquely positions her to offer insightful commentary on topics ranging from business sustainability and global trade's environmental impact to fostering partnerships, optimizing freight and transport for ecological efficiency, and delving into the realms of thermal management, logistics, carbon credits, and energy transition. Through her writing, she not only imparts valuable knowledge but also provides a nuanced understanding of how businesses can harmonize with environmental imperatives, making her a crucial voice in the discourse on sustainable practices and the future of industry.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

BYD’s EXPLORER NO.1 Docks in Brazil , Photo Source : BYD
Previous Story

EU Slaps Up to 37.6% Provisional Tariffs on Chinese Electric Cars: Will Auto Prices Surge?

Multi Story Car Parking.
Next Story

EV Surge Predicts 631% Electricity Demand Spike by 2030: Is the World’s Grid Prepared?

Latest from Energy

Don't Miss