GreenFire Energy Unveils Groundbreaking Commercial-Scale Next-Gen Geothermal Demonstration at The Geysers
In a pivotal advancement for the geothermal industry and the global clean energy transition, GreenFire Energy Inc. announced the successful commissioning of its first commercial-scale next-generation geothermal demonstration project at The Geysers—a project that sets the stage for transforming how geothermal resources are harnessed in the 21st century.
This landmark demonstration is being carried out at The Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field, which has produced renewable energy since the early 1960s. The site is operated by Geysers Power Company, LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Calpine Corporation, one of the largest geothermal power producers in the United States. By applying GreenFire Energy’s proprietary closed-loop geothermal technology to a low-output, legacy well at the site, the company has achieved a technical milestone with promising implications for underutilized geothermal resources around the globe.
Early Results Signal a New Era for Geothermal Efficiency
The demonstration project is already producing encouraging results, indicating a step-change in how geothermal heat can be extracted from steam-dominated reservoirs. Initial data shows that the retrofitted well is delivering stable flow rates ranging from 300 to 350 gallons per minute (gpm), with working fluid temperatures consistently reaching 310°F—significantly exceeding performance expectations for the well’s original condition. The system remains operational in a closed-loop configuration, a hallmark of GreenFire Energy’s GreenLoop™ technology, which allows for sustained energy recovery without requiring extraction of native reservoir fluids.
“This is a breakthrough—not just for our team, but for the future of geothermal,” said Rob Klenner, President of GreenFire Energy. “The ability to demonstrate a successful closed-loop system in a mature, steam-dominated reservoir like The Geysers provides critical validation that next-gen geothermal can be commercially deployed at scale. We’re not just theorizing—we’re proving it in the field. This is what the industry needs to take the next leap forward.”
Closed-Loop Technology: A Versatile Solution for Legacy Fields
The GreenLoop™ system is engineered to operate within wells that no longer deliver sufficient output through traditional geothermal methods. These “low-output” or idle wells represent a significant untapped resource in mature geothermal fields. Instead of relying on conventional hydrothermal circulation—where water or steam is extracted, depressurized, and reinjected—GreenLoop™ circulates a working fluid within a sealed loop inside the well. This allows for energy extraction purely through conduction and convection, decoupling system performance from the permeability and pressure of the surrounding geology.
By designing the system to operate in the liquid phase while optimizing natural convection and saturation pressures, GreenFire Energy has managed to maximize thermal exchange with the surrounding formation. This innovation not only boosts energy output but also minimizes environmental impact by maintaining water mass balance within the reservoir and avoiding the reinjection cycle associated with pressure loss and induced seismicity.
“We’re proving that geothermal doesn’t need to be geographically limited or bound by declining reservoir conditions,” said Joseph Scherer, CEO of GreenFire Energy. “With the GreenLoop™, we’re rethinking what’s possible and offering a pathway to transform low-output assets into long-term, sustainable producers.”
Rigorous Multi-Phase Testing to Validate Scalability
GreenFire Energy’s team has undertaken a comprehensive, multi-phase testing protocol to ensure the system’s reliability and adaptability under a range of operating conditions. Two seven-day production tests have already been completed, including tests under both forward-flow and reverse-flow configurations. These step-change evaluations allow the team to understand how the system performs when operating parameters—such as flow rates, pressure gradients, and temperature differentials—are varied.
The company is currently completing a steady-state duration test designed to meet industry standards for performance validation. This final phase will help confirm the commercial viability of the technology by proving that consistent output can be sustained over long periods without system degradation or reservoir disturbance.
All phases of this testing effort are being supported through funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC), which has prioritized geothermal innovation as part of its mandate to advance clean energy technologies that can support the state’s ambitious carbon neutrality targets.
“This is not just a one-off experiment—it’s a well-documented, well-monitored field deployment that will produce data critical to scaling this technology to other wells and locations,” Scherer added.
Enhancing the Value of Mature Fields Like The Geysers
The Geysers field, with more than 350 wells and over 20 operating power plants, is an ideal site to demonstrate the value of next-generation geothermal innovation. Once a high-output powerhouse, many wells in the field have become marginal producers due to natural reservoir decline over the decades. GreenFire Energy’s ability to retrofit existing wells without drilling new ones represents a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way to breathe new life into legacy assets.
Calpine Corporation’s decision to host the demonstration aligns with its long-term strategy of maintaining leadership in geothermal energy production while exploring cutting-edge solutions that can enhance operational performance and environmental responsibility.
“The Geysers has always been a cornerstone of California’s clean energy mix,” said a Calpine spokesperson. “By supporting innovation and deploying new technologies, we can extend the productive life of this field while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable energy.”
Expanding the Geothermal Footprint Worldwide
While The Geysers is a unique and historically significant geothermal site, the opportunity presented by GreenFire Energy’s technology extends far beyond California. Globally, thousands of geothermal wells sit idle or underutilized due to technical limitations or declining reservoir performance. Many of these wells could potentially be converted into productive assets using closed-loop systems that do not rely on the natural movement of subsurface fluids.
Moreover, the ability to operate in geologies that are too dry, impermeable, or fractured for conventional hydrothermal systems opens vast new areas for geothermal development—ranging from sedimentary basins and hard rock formations to oil and gas fields with thermal gradients but no native aquifers.
“There’s no reason geothermal has to be constrained to niche locations anymore,” said Mark Naylor, GreenFire Energy’s Chief Technology Officer. “With GreenLoop™, we can now go where traditional systems cannot. It’s scalable, replicable, and ready to unlock geothermal potential in dozens of countries and climates.”
Toward Grid Integration and Market Deployment
With the demonstration project on track for full completion in June, GreenFire Energy is already exploring opportunities to deploy the technology at scale. Discussions are underway with geothermal operators, utilities, and government entities in North America, Asia, and Europe. The company is also developing modular system designs that could accelerate installation timelines and reduce costs for future deployments.
A major focus moving forward will be integrating GreenLoop™ technology into broader renewable energy strategies that emphasize grid reliability. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal provides consistent, dispatchable baseload power—making it a valuable stabilizing force in grids increasingly dominated by intermittent resources.
“Geothermal can be the backbone of a reliable clean energy grid,” Scherer emphasized. “By making it more flexible and accessible, we’re not just expanding the geothermal footprint—we’re redefining how geothermal fits into the global energy mix.”
A Proof-of-Concept with Global Impact
GreenFire Energy’s successful demonstration at The Geysers offers far more than a technical success story. It represents a paradigm shift in how geothermal resources can be developed, repurposed, and optimized in a changing energy landscape. With a proven solution in hand, the company stands ready to help transform geothermal from a niche source into a globally scalable contributor to climate solutions.
“Real change starts with real innovation,” said Klenner. “We’ve shown the world that next-gen geothermal is not a future vision—it’s happening now. And it’s ready to grow.”
