New Mexico startup HeatFlow aims to cut geothermal costs in half with turbine tech that runs on 176-degree heat; state awards $650,000

New Mexico startup HeatFlow is on a mission to transform geothermal energy production with its innovative turbine-cycle technology, which can generate electricity from geothermal brine at temperatures as low as 176 degrees. This breakthrough could significantly reduce capital costs, potentially by half, making geothermal energy more competitive with traditional fossil fuels.¹²³⁴

The company, led by Lucas Mejia, aims to utilize inexpensive materials, such as plastic, for turbine construction, further driving down costs. Mejia stated, “If we do that, we can also use very cheap materials. We can make our turbines, for example, out of plastic. That really brings the costs down.”⁷

In July, the New Mexico Economic Development Department awarded HeatFlow $650,000 through its Advanced Energy Award, which is distributed in phases contingent on achieving specific milestones. Currently, the company is in the first phase of development and will receive half of the funding upon meeting these goals.⁵

HeatFlow is also backed by venture capital funding from Roadrunner Venture Studios, with the New Mexico State Investment Council as an investor. Mejia believes that if the technology can be scaled effectively, it could lead to a viable renewable energy resource in New Mexico, stating, “If we can get that at scale and get the costs where it is affordable for customers, that could potentially be a renewable resource in New Mexico, I believe.”⁶

The company plans to test its technology by the end of the year, with aspirations to deploy it in various underdeveloped geothermal hotspots across the state.