Geothermal Energy 2.0: Ormat and Sage Launch Pilot Project for Novel Pressure Geothermal Power Generation and Energy Storage
Reno (USA) - Ormat Technologies, a leading U.S. geothermal and renewable energy company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Sage Geosystems to accelerate the commercialization of advanced geothermal energy solutions. The collaboration focuses on deploying Sage’s innovative Pressure Geothermal technology.
Strategic Partnership for Next-Generation Geothermal Energy
Ormat has signed a commercial agreement with Sage Geosystems, a developer of advanced geothermal technologies and energy storage solutions. The goal is to accelerate the market rollout of Sage’s groundbreaking geothermal system and improve the efficiency of existing and future plants.
As part of the collaboration, Sage will pilot its Pressure Geothermal technology at an Ormat facility. This method harnesses geothermal heat from hot, dry rock and combines it with a hydraulic pressure storage system. Upon successful completion of the pilot project, Ormat will receive the rights to develop, build, and operate both short- and long-duration energy storage systems and power plants using this technology.
Doron Blachar, CEO of Ormat Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sage, a company at the cutting edge of next-generation geothermal technology. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Ormat, as it aligns with our commitment to advancing geothermal energy solutions and reducing our time to market.”
Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems, added: “This collaboration with Ormat, a leading geothermal company, represents a major step forward in the commercialization of our Pressure Geothermal technology. Together, we can drive innovation and sustainability in the energy sector."
The contract is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, subject to customary conditions.
Pressure Geothermal: Combining Heat and Pressure for Power Generation and Storage
Sage Geosystems’ Pressure Geothermal represents an evolution of the traditional Hot Dry Rock (HDR) approach. While HDR relies on extracting heat from deep dry rock using artificially created fractures, Pressure Geothermal adds a hydraulic pressure storage element to this concept.
This process involves the controlled creation of relatively small fractures in the rock, which not only allow for efficient heat transfer but also enable the build-up and storage of hydraulic pressure. This pressure can be released on demand - similar to a pumped hydro storage system - to drive water through turbines and flexibly generate electricity.
By combining geothermal heat extraction with pressure-based energy storage, the technology serves a dual function: continuous renewable power generation and flexible energy storage for grid stabilization. Sage describes the approach as "safe, scalable, and cost-effective," highlighting its potential for wide-scale commercial adoption.
As such, Pressure Geothermal could significantly enhance the efficiency and flexibility of geothermal energy, expanding its role in the renewable energy mix.
Outlook
The collaboration between Ormat and Sage may pave the way for industrial-scale deployment of a forward-looking geothermal technology with integrated energy storage. A successful pilot could strengthen the position of geothermal energy as a reliable, baseload-capable renewable source while also boosting grid flexibility.
Ultimately, Pressure Geothermal could make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition and the future of efficient, renewable energy storage.
Source: IWR Online, 01 Sep 2025
