ABB and Fervo Energy Build Next-Generation Geothermal Power Plant

ABB has been selected by Fervo Energy to supply critical electrification infrastructure and motor control systems for the Cape Station geothermal project in Beaver County, Utah, a facility designed to be among the largest next-generation geothermal developments globally. This collaboration underscores how industrial-scale electrification and advanced motor control hardware underpin enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and differentiate utility-scale geothermal from competing baseload energy technologies.

Addressing the Core Engineering Challenges of Utility-Scale Geothermal
Fervo Energy’s next-generation geothermal approach significantly differs from traditional geothermal projects by employing enhanced geothermal systems that create artificial reservoirs deep underground using directional drilling and subsurface stimulation. This allows thermal energy extraction in locations lacking naturally accessible hydrothermal resources, expanding the geographical potential for geothermal power generation.

In this context, ABB’s role is to provide a comprehensive suite of medium-voltage electrification and motor control equipment that enables reliable, high-performance operation of large pumping and production systems necessary to harness subsurface heat consistently. The supplied systems include more than 80 advanced drives, medium- and low-voltage motors, generators, motor control centers, medium-voltage switchgear, and prefabricated electrical houses (eHouses) designed to support well-pad electrical infrastructure. These components are engineered for the demanding load profiles and continuous duty cycles typical of geothermal fluid circulation and power conversion systems.

Integrating Electrification with Enhanced Geothermal Systems
The strategic value of ABB’s technology lies in its ability to manage the dynamic electrical and mechanical loads associated with EGS operations. Motor drives and associated control systems contribute to efficient pump management, reducing energy losses and enhancing operational reliability. Electrification systems also provide the foundation for digital monitoring and control, which is critical for coordinating subsurface and surface equipment in an environment where production conditions can vary with changes in reservoir temperature and fluid flow.

This integration distinguishes utility-scale geothermal from other energy sources such as conventional fossil plants or intermittent renewables like wind and solar. Unlike variable renewables that depend on weather patterns, geothermal offers continuous baseload power; achieving this reliability at scale requires robust motor control and electrical infrastructure capable of sustained operation without frequent maintenance or downtime. ABB’s scope aligns with these technical imperatives by delivering systems designed for high uptime and electrical resilience.




Project Scale and Competitive Implications
Cape Station is expected to begin delivering power to the grid in 2026, initially from a 100 MW phase, with expansion plans targeting a total capacity of around 500 MW — sufficient to provide carbon-free electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes. By securing a major industrial partner for its electrification and motor control systems, Fervo Energy reduces execution risk and strengthens project deliverability, a competitive advantage when comparing geothermal to other firm power sources such as nuclear or combined-cycle gas plants that face long lead times and complex permitting.

The use of standardized and industrially proven electrification solutions from ABB also supports scalability beyond Cape Station. As geothermal developers pursue additional EGS projects, the ability to deploy modular, high-performance electrical systems will be a differentiator versus bespoke or less integrated approaches. This capability can lower total cost of ownership and improve compatibility with grid requirements, enhancing geothermal’s competitiveness in markets demanding firm, low-carbon energy.

Broader Impact on Geothermal Deployment
Deployments like Cape Station highlight a broader shift in geothermal technology, moving from niche, site-specific hydrothermal projects to engineered systems that leverage advanced drilling and real-time data analytics. Electrification and motor control infrastructure are central to this transition, enabling continuous operations and integration with digital tools for performance optimization. By addressing these technical and operational challenges, partnerships such as that between Fervo Energy and ABB contribute to making enhanced geothermal systems a more commercially viable and scalable source of clean, firm power.

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