SBO targets geothermal drilling to meet AI data center energy demand

SBO is expanding its operations into geothermal drilling, a strategic move driven by the massive energy requirements of artificial intelligence data centers. The company’s CEO noted that 40 percent of electricity consumption in the United States is currently based on gas, with total consumption expected to double by the end of the decade due to the proliferation of data centers. Tech companies are increasingly seeking emissions-free base load energy, positioning geothermal as a critical target for meeting these demands.

To support this transition, SBO is developing materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius, a significant increase from the 150 to 200 degrees required for conventional oil and gas drilling. The company is also involved in drilling for lithium and helium, the latter of which is essential for cooling in the semiconductor industry. This diversification is part of a broader strategy to reach 900 million euros in revenue by 2030, with 200 million euros expected to come from these new industries, including geothermal, lithium, and helium extraction.