XGS Energy and Meta (parent of Facebook) have signed an agreement to support the development of 150 MW of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. XGS has developed a proprietary form of geothermal technology, which enables geothermal power production with zero operating water use. It will be deployed to the grid to support Meta’s data center operations in New Mexico.

“The state of New Mexico is a growing hub for data center development,” said Josh Prueher, Chief Executive Officer at XGS Energy. 

The XGS approach decouples geothermal energy production from location-based constraints such as water availability or permeable or porous rock. Geothermal power can now be directly produced from hot, dry rock resources in New Mexico. There is said to be as much as 160 GW of untapped geothermal potential in the state, according to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.

The two-phased 150 MW agreement will include an initial smaller phase, and a second, larger phase, both projected to be operational by 2030. Both phases will be sited in New Mexico on the PNM electric grid.