At least seven major geothermal energy projects totaling 485 MW of capacity are scheduled to begin operations in 2026, representing a $2.8 billion investment across the Western United States. The largest among these is Fervo Energy’s Cape Station in Utah, a 400 MW enhanced geothermal system (EGS) backed by $244 million in Department of Energy funding, which will power Google data centers starting Q2 2026.

Other significant projects include Ormat Technologies’ 30 MW Tungsten Mountain expansion in Nevada (expected online March 2026) and Controlled Thermal Resources’ Hell’s Kitchen facility in California’s Imperial Valley, which will generate 49.9 MW while producing lithium as a byproduct. These projects leverage the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s $84 million geothermal demonstration program and the Inflation Reduction Act’s 30% investment tax credit for clean energy.

What Makes 2026 a Breakthrough Year for Geothermal Development?

The convergence of federal funding, proven EGS drilling techniques adapted from oil and gas, and corporate clean energy commitments has created unprecedented momentum. The 485 MW coming online in 2026 represents a 13% increase over the current 3.7 GW U.S. geothermal capacity—the largest single-year expansion since 2018.

Which Companies Are Leading the 2026 Project Pipeline?

Fervo Energy dominates with its Cape Station project, while established players like Ormat Technologies and newcomer Controlled Thermal Resources are expanding proven geothermal fields and pioneering new extraction methods that combine energy production with critical mineral recovery.