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Superhot geothermal energy could unearth big power boost for the AI era

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNBC or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Quaise Energy, a Massachusetts-based startup, is advancing “superhot” geothermal technology capable of tapping ultra-deep heat sources up to 12 miles underground
Using a novel electromagnetic drilling system that vaporizes rock, Quaise aims to extract energy at temperatures exceeding 500°C — unlocking up to 10 times more power per well compared to conventional geothermal
The company plans to pilot the world’s first superhot geothermal power plant by 2028 near Bend, Oregon

🔭 The context: Traditional geothermal has powered heating for centuries, but superhot geothermal represents a radical leap in potential output
While conventional oil and gas drilling typically reaches depths of 2–3 miles, Quaise’s approach targets significantly deeper and hotter rock formations
The technology, initially developed at MIT in 2007, has recently been demonstrated in partnership with oilfield services company Nabors Industries, which is also a key investor

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Superhot geothermal could offer a near-limitless, zero-carbon baseload energy source — vital for powering energy-intensive sectors like artificial intelligence, data centers, and electrified manufacturing
Its compact footprint and potential for retrofitting oil and gas infrastructure make it attractive for decarbonization without massive new land use
However, the technical complexity and high upfront drilling costs remain critical hurdles to scale

⏭️ What's next: Quaise plans to complete its demonstration power plant by 2028, with support from investors including Mitsubishi and Prelude Ventures
The U.S. Department of Energy has voiced strong support, especially given superhot geothermal's role in supporting AI and industrial growth. Continued federal backing — preserved even in recent legislative shifts — positions geothermal as a bipartisan energy priority
If successful, Quaise's model could pave the way for global deployment and workforce transitions from fossil fuels

💬 One quote: “To access the resource at a scale that actually matters, we have to drill hotter first and deeper second.” – Carlos Araque, CEO of Quaise Energy

📈 One stat: Superhot geothermal can deliver 5 to 10 times more power per well than conventional geothermal systems

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