Gradient Geothermal to provide modular geothermal power solutions to T5 Smackover Partners for Texas project
The HXC Geothermal System designed by Gradient Geothermal (source: Gradient Geothermal)
Carlo Cariaga
23 Jun 2026
Gradient Geothermal will be supplying its modular geothermal power solutions for a combined geothermal and critical minerals project by T5 Smackover Partners.
Gradient Geothermal (Gradient) has announced that it has entered into a contract with T5 Smackover Partners (T5), to provide Gradient’s modular geothermal technology, the patented HXC Geothermal System, for T5’s phase one integrated geothermal project in East Texas.
Initially announced earlier this year, T5 is aiming to develop a project that combines geothermal power generation and extraction of lithium and bromine, and possibly other critical and strategic minerals, in East Texas covering Franklin, Titus, and Hopkins Counties. In parallel with the discovery of geothermal resources, T5 has identified multiple zones within the Smackover Formation containing some of the highest lithium concentrations reported globally, as well as confirmed significant concentrations of other critical and strategic minerals, including potassium and strontium.
More recently, T5 announced the signing of a binding offtake agreement with Glencore Ltd. for lithium carbonate from the planned East Texas project.
“We believe the future of the Smackover is about maximizing the value of the geothermal brine it can produce,” said Cole Fisher, President and Co-Founder of T5 Smackover Partners. “By integrating Gradient’s modular geothermal technology alongside our phase one production, we’re creating a more efficient project that generates both baseload electricity from the same resource. This is exactly the type of innovation needed to strengthen domestic supply chains and establish East Texas as a leader in the next generation of geothermal energy.”
Gradient’s HXC Geothermal System will utilize the thermal energy contained in the project’s produced working fluid brine, providing an integrated solution that supports both heat management and geothermal power generation. By pairing geothermal power technology with direct lithium extraction, the project represents a new model for producing critical minerals while producing baseload electrons and reducing the development’s overall environmental footprint. The company already has ongoing projects in Colorado and North Dakota.
“This project demonstrates what is possible when geothermal energy, geothermal brines, and critical-mineral production are designed as one integrated system,” said Ben Burke, Chief Executive Officer of Gradient Geothermal. “T5 is developing an innovative energy project, and we are proud that Gradient’s HXC technology will help convert the Smackover’s substantial subsurface heat into a productive baseload energy resource.”
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Source: Gradient Geothermal via PR Newswire
