ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sage Geosystems (Sage)—a pioneer in geothermal baseload power and energy storage—to collaborate on developing clean energy solutions. The partnership will focus on advancing geothermal power generation facilities and energy storage systems that harness the earth’s natural heat to produce reliable, low-carbon electricity.
Powering Meta’s Geothermal Project: A Key Milestone
A cornerstone of the collaboration is ABB’s support for Sage’s existing agreement with Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) to deliver up to 150 MW of geothermal baseload power at a site east of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. The first phase of this project is targeted to become operational by 2027, marking a significant step toward scaling renewable energy infrastructure.
Leveraging ABB’s Technology for Geothermal Innovation
Under the MoU, ABB will explore how its automation, electrification, and digital technologies can optimize geothermal operations globally, with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and reliability. Potential contributions include:
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to manage complex geothermal processes.
- Electrical infrastructure architecture tailored to geothermal site requirements.
- Digital solutions such as asset performance management, process optimization tools, and cybersecurity systems to protect critical operations.
- Development of integrated energy storage solutions that complement intermittent renewables like solar and wind, leveraging Sage’s proprietary technology.
Advancing Next-Generation Geothermal with GGS
Sage’s proprietary Geopressured Geothermal Systems (GGS) technology is central to the partnership. Unlike intermittent renewables, geothermal solutions—including baseload power and energy storage—provide 24/7 clean energy. The GGS process works by pumping fluid into a man-made subsurface reservoir, where it is heated to over 150°C by the earth’s core. Using pressure or mechanical energy, the heated fluid is then released to drive turbines via heat exchangers, generating electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are focused on scaling our proprietary GGS technology, and our partnership with ABB will advance the widespread deployment of next-generation geothermal,” said Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems. “Geothermal solutions offer on-demand clean energy, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—filling a critical gap in the renewable energy landscape.”
Left to right: Dr. Lev Ring (President, Sage Geosystems); Cindy Taff (CEO, Sage Geosystems); Tilak Pinnamaneni (Vice President, US Division Manager, ABB Energy Industries); Mark Zyskowski (Vice President, US Sales, ABB Energy Industries)
Geothermal’s Role in the Global Energy Transition
Geothermal energy is poised to play a transformative role in the shift to low-carbon energy. Enhanced geothermal systems emit little to no greenhouse gases, and in the U.S. alone, untapped geothermal resources could power over 65 million homes. According to Rystad Energy, geothermal currently accounts for 0.3 percent of global power supply, but installed capacity is projected to grow from 16.8 GW today to 28 GW by 2030 and over 110 GW by 2050. This growth is expected to attract more than $120 billion in investments by 2035.
“To unlock geothermal’s potential for a low-carbon society, cross-industry collaboration is essential,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “Sage’s GGS technology not only generates low-carbon electricity but also offers energy storage capabilities, making it a vital component of the energy transition alongside other renewable sources.”
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By integrating engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries operate at peak performance—driving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability to help customers “outrun” challenges. This commitment is captured in ABB’s brand promise:
“Engineered to Outrun”. With a 140-year heritage, ABB employs around 110,000 people worldwide. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
- Reference to low greenhouse gas emissions from enhanced geothermal systems.
- Estimate of U.S. geothermal potential to power 65 million homes.
- Rystad Energy data on geothermal market growth projections.
