Low-Temperature Turbine Innovations

HeatFlow Unveils Its Turbine-Cycle Tech for Geothermal Energy

HeatFlow, a New Mexico startup, introduced a turbine-cycle system designed to generate more electricity from lower-temperature geothermal brine, including resources at about 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Founder Lucas Mejia said the approach could enable the use of lower-cost materials and reduce the capital required for geothermal development.

The company presented the technology at Los Alamos National Laboratory’s New Mexico Demo Day and received a $650,000 Advanced Energy Award from the state, alongside venture backing from Roadrunner Venture Studios. HeatFlow plans to test the technology by the end of 2026 and is targeting modular deployment through smaller generating systems. The company aims to cut geothermal capital costs by roughly half.

For utilities, lower-cost geothermal systems could expand access to around-the-clock renewable power and reduce dependence on fossil-fuel backup when wind and solar generation fall short.

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