John Crane has been selected to support a next-generation geothermal power project in the United States, supplying critical equipment for high-performance turbomachinery as part of an advanced development aimed at delivering carbon-free baseload electricity.
The company, a global provider of flow-control technologies and a business of Smiths Group plc, will provide a suite of sealing technologies and associated services for the project. The development forms part of a wider programme to expand geothermal capacity in the US, reflecting renewed interest in geothermal as a dependable source of low-carbon power.
The project is designed to harness geothermal resources using advanced drilling techniques and modern surface power generation systems. Unlike intermittent renewables, geothermal energy can provide continuous output, contributing to grid stability while supporting decarbonisation targets and domestic energy security.
John Crane’s scope includes the supply of wet seals, separation seals and couplings for turbomachinery applications, along with dynamic testing services. These systems are intended to support operational reliability and safety in demanding geothermal environments, where high temperatures and pressures place significant strain on equipment.
“Projects like this show how engineering expertise can directly support the transition to cleaner, more resilient energy systems,” said Ruben Alvarez, President of John Crane. “Geothermal has the potential to deliver reliable, low-carbon power at scale, and we are proud to apply our technology, experience and collaborative approach to help make that possible.”
Geothermal energy is receiving increasing policy and investor attention in the United States, as federal and state authorities seek firm, low-carbon generation to complement wind and solar. Advances in drilling and reservoir management are expected to broaden the geographic reach of geothermal resources, making projects viable in areas previously considered unsuitable.
The selected development is intended to demonstrate how modern engineering and subsurface techniques can unlock geothermal energy at greater scale. Once operational, the project is expected to expand access to low-carbon electricity and contribute to long-term emissions reduction goals.
John Crane stated that dedicated project management and engineering teams will support delivery, with a focus on execution, testing and long-term operational performance. In geothermal systems, equipment integrity is central to maintaining uptime and minimising maintenance interruptions, particularly where access to subsurface components is limited.
The contract strengthens John Crane’s position in the geothermal sector and aligns with its strategy to serve energy transition markets. In addition to geothermal, the company is active in hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and other lower-carbon power generation applications.
As the US works to diversify its generation mix, geothermal is being considered as part of a broader effort to secure reliable domestic energy supplies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Industry stakeholders have pointed to its ability to provide constant output as a complement to variable renewable sources, supporting grid resilience during periods of peak demand or low renewable generation.
By supplying critical sealing and coupling systems for turbomachinery, John Crane will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the new facility. The company’s involvement underscores the role of established industrial technology providers in enabling emerging clean energy projects to move from concept to commercial operation.
John Crane operates more than 200 service, sales and manufacturing centres across 50 countries. Its portfolio includes mechanical seals, systems, couplings and filtration technologies for the energy and process industries, supported by service and digital diagnostic capabilities. As part of Smiths Group plc, a FTSE 100 industrial technology company, it supports infrastructure and industrial applications worldwide.
The geothermal project marks another step in the expansion of next-generation renewable energy infrastructure in the United States, with engineering suppliers playing a central role in ensuring technical reliability as the sector scales.
