GreenFire Energy demonstrates energy production from idle geothermal wells in The Geysers
The Geysers geothermal complex in California (source: Calpine Energy)
Carlo Cariaga
8 May 2025
GreenFire Energy has launched a demonstration project in The Geysers, California that shows geothermal energy production from existing near-idle wells.
GreenFire Energy has announced the successful launch of its first commercial next-gen geothermal demonstration project at The Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field, at a site operated by Geysers Power Company, LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Calpine Corporation.
Early test results, using an existing geothermal well are extremely positive, providing a potential foundation for what’s possible using next-gen geothermal technology in steam dominated reservoirs. The demonstration project’s early performance marks a meaningful leap in geothermal recovery efficiency, highlighting GreenFire Energy’s ability to boost output in mature fields like The Geysers.
Producing more power from existing well infrastructure
The system, installed in a low-output well nearing idle status, is now fully operational. Initial results show sustained flow rates between 300-350 gpm (19-22 L/s) with higher-than-expected output temperatures at 310 F (154 °C) in a stable closed-loop system.
GreenFire Energy enhances heat recovery by leveraging natural convection and optimizing saturation pressure within the reservoir, while maintaining a closed-loop flow in the liquid phase to bring heat to the surface. This approach enables efficient energy transfer, potentially unlocking more power from existing well infrastructure in places like The Geysers and other geothermal fields while still preserving water mass in the reservoir.
Two seven-day production tests have already been completed, step-change testing is complete in both forward- and reverse-flow configurations, and an industry-standard duration steady-state test is nearly complete. These series of high-flow tests are designed to validate performance across multiple operating conditions and applicability in other low-output wells showing the scalability in geothermal fields. This California Energy Commission-funded demonstration project is expected to be completed in June.
By matching technology to geology and combining patented systems with field-optimized practices, the project demonstrates a proven path to accelerate geothermal development using next-gen solutions.
“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 test at The Geysers is one of the biggest impacts the industry needs right now to scale new geothermal energy to the grid. We’re bringing real innovative solutions to the market. We’re delivering on our promises to show how next-gen technology can provide high-performance power with real commercial applications.”
RELATED: GreenFire Energy – A scalable and flexible model for geothermal growth
