Advanced geothermal technology is garnering attention for its capacity to offer a transformative solution to the rising energy demands of AI-driven data centers. Unlike traditional energy sources, closed-loop geothermal systems provide reliable, baseload power that can operate almost anywhere, making them uniquely suited for the rapid growth of AI and data centres.
In a recent episode of the Disrupters: The Innovation Era podcast, Doug Beach, Chair on the board of Eavor and a seasoned global energy leader, described the immense potential Eavor’s systems have in addressing these challenges.
“Eavor fits into it in several interesting ways, particularly in the local dimension of Canada, where starting out is essentially an export technology. So we’re creating a technology that will enable energy development almost anywhere on the planet, and it’s going to necessarily be cheaper at places that tend to have more heat,” he explained.
Beach highlighted the growing energy demands driven by the rise of AI and data centers, noting that the rapid expansion of AI, particularly large language models, is placing enormous pressure on energy systems. He emphasized the importance of stable, reliable, and clean energy to support these technologies, where data centers must operate continuously without disruptions.
“I think the key thing on top of everybody’s mind is the consumption of data processing and the incredible demand, or increase in demand that’s driving at the increment. So we’ve got energy in everything, and now we have even more demand coming rapidly, and the stability of the supply of energy is so incredibly important relative to the information processing demand.”
Geothermal advancements, like those from Eavor, can offer these data centres a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. With data centers consuming 460 terawatt-hours globally in 2022—a figure expected to double by 2026— the podcast stated that advanced geothermal energy could redefine how the digital economy is powered.
Furthermore, it was addressed that Alberta is aiming to become a leader in data center innovation, leveraging its cool climate, abundant natural resources, and advanced carbon sequestration infrastructure. Projects like the Wonder Valley initiative in Greenview aim to create off-grid, natural gas-powered electricity for hyperscale data centers. By reducing transmission costs and ensuring reliable, localized energy supplies, Alberta could attract global investment and talent.
If Alberta embarks upon this “moonshot opportunity,” Beach stated that he envisions a future where Canada can introduce disruptive clean technologies like Eavor’s to change the supply and demand set-up.