Fervo Energy announced on October 1, 2026, that its Cape Station project in Utah has achieved commercial operation. This development positions Cape Station as the world's first greenfield enhanced geothermal development to reach this milestone. The facility's initial 33-megawatt unit synchronized to the grid on September 24 and declared commercial operation on September 30, one day ahead of its contractual deadline. Revenue generation has commenced under Fervo's power purchase agreement with Shell Energy.
The Cape Station project utilizes enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology, adapting drilling techniques from the oil and gas industry to access deep subsurface heat. This approach allows for geothermal energy production in locations previously considered unsuitable for traditional geothermal power. Fervo Energy's CEO, Tim Latimer, stated that reaching commercial operations at Cape Station is a significant turning point for both the company and the broader energy sector, demonstrating that EGS can deliver reliable, 24/7 carbon-free electricity at a commercial scale. The company reported that the first GeoBlock was built and commissioned in 23 months, a pace Fervo aims to reduce to 18 months for future projects.
Cape Station's Phase I includes approximately 100 megawatts across three 33-megawatt GeoBlocks. The first GeoBlock has met its expected production threshold of 33 MW. Commissioning is ongoing for the remaining two Phase I GeoBlocks, which are expected to reach commercial operation by January 1, 2027. A subsequent phase, an additional 400 megawatts, is already under construction with an anticipated commercial operation date in 2028. The entire Cape Station project is planned to reach 500 megawatts.
The power generated at Cape Station will be supplied to Shell Energy. Fervo Energy had previously announced a 31-megawatt power purchase agreement with Shell Energy North America in April 2025, with power delivery to California's grid supporting Shell Energy's retail customers. This agreement was notable as Shell Energy became the first offtaker for Phase I of Cape Station. The project's development has also been supported by other agreements, including a 115-megawatt PPA with Google.