How Corporate Buyers are Driving Geothermal Progress

ABB has teamed up with Sage Geosystems to drive the growth of geothermal energy, combining automation and digital technology with sustainable power solutions.

Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership aims to deploy Sage’s Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) technology at scale. The approach could position geothermal energy as a key player in the global shift towards low-carbon electricity.

A significant part of the project involves a deal with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to supply up to 150 MW of geothermal power to a site east of the Rocky Mountains. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2027.

"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," comments Urvi Parekh, Head of Energy at Meta.

Now, with automation giant ABB on board, the focus is on scaling procurement, sourcing materials and integrating digital tools to optimise efficiency.

Procuring technology to scale geothermal energy

Geothermal energy remains underutilised compared to solar and wind, yet its potential is vast.

In the US alone, it could generate electricity for more than 65 million homes. Unlike intermittent renewables, geothermal provides reliable, 24/7 power.

However, deploying geothermal technology at scale requires investment in infrastructure, advanced automation and effective supply chain management.

Sage’s GGS technology works by injecting fluid under pressure into underground reservoirs, where it is heated above 150°C.

The stored heat is then extracted and converted into electricity using turbines. This process not only generates power but also functions as an energy storage solution, complementing renewables like wind and solar.

For ABB, procurement plays a central role in ensuring the seamless integration of automation and digital systems within these geothermal sites. The company will supply 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.

By leveraging its experience in industrial automation, ABB aims to streamline sourcing and supply chain processes, ensuring that geothermal projects receive the right components at the right time.

Investing in the future of geothermal procurement

Despite its advantages, geothermal currently contributes just 0.3% of global electricity supply.

However, projections suggest rapid expansion, with installed capacity expected to grow from 16.8 GW today to 28 GW by 2030 and surpass 110 GW by 2050. The sector could attract more than US$120bn in investment by 2035.

For Sage Geosystems, securing the necessary materials, technology and expertise is key to scaling GGS technology globally. Partnering with ABB enhances its ability to source critical automation and electrical components while optimising efficiency at its geothermal sites.

“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.

With industrial leaders like ABB supporting procurement and supply chain management, geothermal energy is set to play a greater role in the clean energy transition.

A sustainable supply chain for clean energy

As governments and corporations push for net zero targets, the need for reliable and scalable clean energy solutions has never been greater.

While solar and wind dominate the renewable sector, geothermal’s ability to provide constant baseload power makes it an essential part of the future energy mix.

ABB’s collaboration with Sage marks an important step in sourcing and deploying the technology needed to unlock geothermal energy’s full potential.

By combining automation, digital tools and advanced procurement strategies, this partnership could serve as a model for the global expansion of geothermal energy.

With increasing demand for clean power and major industrial players backing its development, geothermal is positioned to become a larger force in the energy market.

ABB and Sage’s efforts highlight how technology, supply chain expertise and engineering innovation can drive the next stage of geothermal growth.

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