Technology · India Bureau
US startup seeks to unlock superhot geothermal energy with deep-rock technology
Quaise Energy has secured $180 million in funding to develop an innovative geothermal plant that will tap into extreme heat 5 kilometres below the Earth's surface. The project represents a significant step toward unlocking a new source of renewable energy that could complement solar and wind power.
LSN India ·
The Massachusetts-based startup plans to harness temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Celsius to generate electricity through its Obsidian Project in Oregon, expected to produce 50 megawatts of power by 2030. Rather than relying on conventional drilling methods, Quaise Energy will employ microwave technology to vaporise rock at extreme depths, a technique designed to reduce drilling time and costs while accessing previously unreachable geothermal resources.
The company has partnered with Nabors Industries, a leading provider of drilling services, to supply the technical expertise and equipment necessary for the initiative. This collaboration addresses a critical challenge in developing superhot geothermal systems: creating efficient drilling mechanisms capable of penetrating kilometres of rock without the limitations of traditional drill bits.
Geothermal energy, long considered a niche renewable resource due to geographic limitations, could gain broader applicability if superhot reservoirs become economically viable. By tapping into hotter zones deeper underground, geothermal plants could potentially operate in regions previously unsuitable for such projects, diversifying the renewable energy mix available to countries seeking to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The Obsidian Project follows growing global interest in advanced geothermal technologies as nations pursue net-zero emissions targets. Industry analysts suggest that if Quaise Energy successfully demonstrates the technology's feasibility, it could attract further investment in superhot geothermal development and unlock substantial untapped energy reserves worldwide.