Bridging the Operational Gap: An Organizational Design for Commercial-Scale Enhanced Geothermal Systems
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2026-04-24
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Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) have significant potential to provide 24/7 carbon-free firm power, yet the transition from technology development to commercial operation presents significant organizational challenges. This project designs a comprehensive operating organization for Fervo Energy as it prepares for its first commercial-scale plant launch in 2026. I identified core operational themes through semi-structured benchmarking interviews with experts in nuclear, thermal, and renewable power production. I synthesized these findings into an organizational structure tailored to the unique technical requirements of EGS. The resulting design defines critical roles, information flows, and handoff points. By formalizing these internal controls and communication loops, the project provides a scalable blueprint for EGS power producers to match their technological readiness with operational maturity.
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Dalsania, Sumit (2026). Bridging the Operational Gap: An Organizational Design for Commercial-Scale Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/34457.
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