Cape Station
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
One of the 4 Key Sustainability Challenges
Story Highlights
UTILIZED SOFTWARE
Bentley Software
LOCATION
ORGANIZATION/COMPANY
PROJECT SUMMARY
Fervo Energy’s Cape Station in Utah is the world’s largest next-generation Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) development, set to deliver 500 MWe of carbon-free, baseload electricity, with 100 MWe due by 2026. This project expands geothermal production by circulating fluid between horizontal wells in deep, hard rock. To derisk the complex subsurface, Fervo used a digital workflow featuring Leapfrog Energy, Oasis montaj, and Seequent Central. This integration of Bentley software was crucial for iterative 3D subsurface characterization, combining gravity and MT data to refine geological models. The models nearly eliminated temperature uncertainty for Phase 1, accelerating design and financing. The digital approach resulted in an EGS system that produces three times the power in one-third the time of conventional systems. The team achieved a 100% success rate on wells, 18% under budget, and proved flow rates of 10 MWe from a single well. This design expands power density to 75+ MWe per square mile. The project is highly sustainable, generating zero wastewater and requiring only 1.5 acres per megawatt of land. It is projected to create $1.1 billion in local economic activity throughout construction and operations.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG Goal 1
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
SDG Goal 2
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG Goal 3
Good Health and Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG Goal 4
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG Goal 5
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG Goal 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG Goal 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
SDG Goal 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment, & decent work for all.
SDG Goal 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization & foster innovation.
SDG Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
SDG Goal 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
SDG Goal 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG Goal 13
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG Goal 14
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
SDG Goal 15
Life on Land
Sustainably manage ecosystems, combat desertification, reverse land degradation, & halt biodiversity loss.
SDG Goal 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Foster peaceful & inclusive societies, ensure justice access, & build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
SDG Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation & revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.