Vaporizing Rock to Unlock Deep Earth Heat
Quaise Energy is currently developing a “superhot” geothermal power project, known as Project Obsidian, located south of Bend, Oregon. The startup aims to produce 24/7 baseload electricity by utilizing advanced drilling technology capable of reaching extreme depths. By tapping into significantly hotter rock formations than those accessed by traditional geothermal plants, the company intends to make geothermal energy cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
Breaking Free from Geological Constraints
Traditional geothermal energy relies on specific geological conditions where magma sits near the surface, heating underground water reservoirs. According to the U.S.
Matthew Houde, cofounder and chief of staff at Quaise Energy, notes that much of the “low-hanging fruit” in these conventional reservoirs has already been developed. To expand access, Quaise Energy is shifting the focus toward deeper drilling. By reaching depths where rocks are consistently hot no matter where you are, the company seeks to unlock a power source that can generate five to 10 times more energy than current geothermal wells.
Replacing Mechanical Bits with Millimeter Waves
The primary technical barrier to deep geothermal energy is the high cost and rapid wear of mechanical drill bits when operating in extreme heat and depth. Quaise Energy’s approach, which originated from research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), replaces traditional mechanical bits with millimeter-wave technology.
This method uses energy to vaporize rock rather than relying on physical abrasion, which significantly reduces equipment failure. By transitioning to directed energy, the company aims to reduce the time and capital expenditure required to reach the high-temperature zones necessary for efficient power generation.
The Economics of Project Obsidian
Project Obsidian serves as the testing ground for this technology. The project is supported by substantial private investment, including a $134 million Series B funding round reported by the company. This capital is intended to scale the drilling operations and prove the commercial viability of superhot geothermal power.
If successful, this method could provide a stable, carbon-free alternative to coal and natural gas plants, providing a continuous supply of power to the grid without the intermittency challenges associated with wind and solar energy.
What makes “superhot” geothermal different from conventional geothermal?
Conventional geothermal plants require both heat and water reservoirs near the surface. Superhot geothermal technology focuses on reaching deeper, hotter rock layers, which are available globally, potentially decoupling geothermal energy from rare geological sites.
How does Quaise Energy drill through rock?
The company uses millimeter-wave technology to vaporize rock. This avoids the mechanical wear and tear that occurs when traditional drill bits contact hot, abrasive underground formations.
Why is deep geothermal energy considered a baseload power source?
Unlike wind or solar, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal energy provides constant, 24/7 power. This makes it a potential replacement for fossil-fuel-based power plants that provide steady, reliable electricity to the grid.
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