Fervo Energy completes geothermal pilot test, launches 400-megawatt project for 2028

Fervo Energy completed a 30-day test at its Nevada commercial pilot plant, generating 3.5 megawatts using oil-and-gas drilling techniques, and launched a 400-megawatt geothermal project slated for 2028. As India explores geothermal and firm clean-power options, the cost competitiveness demonstrated offers a reference for reliable round-the-clock renewable supply.

Fervo Energy completed a 30-day test at its commercial pilot plant in northern Nevada, drilling to 7,700 feet with an additional 3,250 feet horizontally, reaching internal temperatures of approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit and generating 3.5 megawatts of electricity. The company uses drilling technology pioneered by the oil and gas industry to access geothermal potential in previously untapped regions. Fervo has launched a 400-megawatt geothermal project slated for completion by 2028, expected to power roughly 300,000 homes. Lazard's research places geothermal's levelized cost of energy at $61 to $102 per MWh.

The development is relevant to power utilities, renewable-energy developers, and grid operators seeking firm, around-the-clock clean power, unlike intermittent solar and wind. For India, where firm low-carbon generation is needed to balance growing renewables, geothermal's reliability profile and demonstrated cost competitiveness (LCOE of $61-$102 per MWh versus nuclear's $141-$221) are notable. Indian energy planners and developers evaluating dispatchable clean-power options can consider enhanced geothermal approaches that adapt oil-and-gas drilling techniques to new regions.

Fervo's 400-megawatt project is slated for completion by 2028, expected to power approximately 300,000 homes. Indian utilities, energy planners, and developers should monitor the cost reductions achievable as geothermal shifts from one-off projects to continuous development with learning-curve efficiencies. Stakeholders evaluating firm clean-power options can track Fervo's project economics and the broader applicability of enhanced geothermal drilling techniques to determine whether such technology could complement India's renewable-heavy grid with reliable baseload-style supply.

Key figure — Geothermal LCOE: $61 to $102 per MWh per Lazard research