Sage Geosystems, a US-based developer of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), has brought its SMECI facility in South Texas into service following an extended period of operation.
The facility has been in use for more than 120 days since selling its first electricity in the second quarter of 2026.
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Over this period, Sage Geosystems has evaluated subsurface pressure response, system efficiency, water management, injection and production performance, and reservoir behaviour.
The company stated that results from these tests either met or exceeded its objectives, demonstrating repeatable engineered performance designed to maximise net power output.
Data collected is now being used to inform planning for additional geothermal projects including a future development at an Ormat site in Nevada.
Sage said that its GeoTwin modelling tool was able to accurately predict the operating behaviour observed at SMECI. The company stated that this increases confidence in the ability to reliably design, predict and control subsurface performance across future projects.
Sage co-founder and CEO Cindy Taff said: “Our operating campaign at the SMECI facility demonstrates that Sage’s proprietary EGS approach overcomes one of the industry’s most persistent challenges, high water losses in engineered reservoirs, while delivering the consistent performance required to scale next-generation geothermal.
“These results validate the core elements of our approach, significantly reduce development risk and provide a clear path toward reliable, commercial-scale geothermal power.”
The company reported water losses of less than 10% over multiple operating cycles, indicating that the majority of injected water remained within the system. This was identified by Sage as a factor for capturing more usable energy, with implications for net power output and overall project economics.
The achievement of predictable reservoir performance is viewed as supporting repeatable and scalable geothermal generation.
Sage co-founder, president and chief technology officer Lev Ring said: “Commercial geothermal isn’t just about creating a reservoir; it is about creating one whose performance can be engineered, predicted and consistent.
“That means understanding not only how a reservoir will perform, as we are doing with our GeoTwin modeling tool, but also how efficiently it can retain water and demonstrate a path to losses below 5%. Predictable reservoirs are the foundation of commercially scalable geothermal.”
Sage plans to continue operating the SMECI facility to further optimise performance and apply the learnings to the development and design of larger-scale geothermal power projects.
