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In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Baker Hughes and Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) have forged a partnership to develop a 500 MW geothermal power project in California's Lithium Valley. Announced on September 9, this initiative seeks to deliver reliable baseload energy, essential for powering AI systems and hyperscale data centers that demand uninterrupted operations.

Geothermal energy stands out due to its impressive capacity factors, consistently exceeding 98%, making it an ideal candidate to meet the energy needs of modern technology infrastructures. Baker Hughes plans to leverage its expertise in high temperature drilling technologies, power systems, and digital field services to ensure the scalability and reliability of this geothermal project.

CTR's Chief Executive Officer, Rod Colwell, emphasized the necessity of this project, asserting that conventional intermittent renewable sources alone cannot sustain the energy appetite of hyperscale data centers and AI systems. The collaboration is set against the backdrop of CTR's ongoing development of geothermal battery-grade lithium chemicals and critical minerals at their Hell’s Kitchen site.

The project is already gaining momentum with a secured 40 MW power purchase agreement from the Imperial Irrigation District and lithium supply agreements with U.S. automotive manufacturers. Furthermore, CTR has obtained a conditional use permit to initiate construction activities, with essential equipment already staged for deployment.

Designated as a FAST-41 project, this endeavor aims to streamline environmental reviews and expedite federal permitting processes, potentially positioning it as one of the largest geothermal power and critical minerals hubs in the world. California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed optimism for Lithium Valley, envisioning it as a vital source of critical minerals while spurring a new economic boom for the region.