Next-Generation Geothermal

Millimetre Wave Drilling

Millimetre wave (MMW) drilling, pioneered at MIT and commercialized by Quaise Energy, uses high-power electromagnetic waves to vaporize rock and could unlock superhot geothermal energy from depths far beyond the reach of conventional drills. After achieving a record 100-meter granite bore in Texas, the technology promises terawatt-scale clean power but faces major engineering hurdles before reaching its 15–20 km commercial targets.

Geopressured geothermal storage

Geopressured geothermal storage (GGS) is a breakthrough energy technology that stores and dispatches electricity by harnessing the immense pressure of deep underground rock, offering grid-scale storage without the geographic limits of traditional hydropower. With commercial deployments already underway, GGS delivers high efficiency, low fluid loss, and cost-competitive power, positioning it as a game-changer for renewable energy integration and grid resilience.

Advanced Geothermal (Closed Loop)

Closed-loop geothermal systems (CLGSs) are revolutionizing geothermal energy by using sealed wellbores to extract subsurface heat without fracking, water consumption, or seismic risk, as demonstrated by GreenFire Energy and Eavor Technologies. While CLGSs offer vast global potential and reliable performance, their widespread adoption for electricity generation hinges on significant reductions in drilling costs, making district heating their most promising near-term application.

Enhanced geothermal system

Enhanced Geothermal Systems are revolutionizing clean energy by unlocking heat from deep, hot rocks using advanced drilling and reservoir engineering, making geothermal power possible in regions previously out of reach. Despite their promise for scalable, reliable energy, EGS must overcome high costs, technical challenges, and environmental concerns to achieve widespread adoption.