Show Notes
Despite its ability to deliver ample carbon-free energy, the potential of geothermal and EGS is limited by the number of drilling sites close enough to the earth’s surface.
But a few pioneering companies have landed on a potential solution: dig way deeper.
In this episode, Shayle speaks with Carlos Araque, the founder of Quaise Energy. The company has developed millimeter-wave drills to vaporize rock, allowing them to dig up to twelve miles underground in search of water around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. That super hot and "supercritical" water packs a huge punch: ten times more energy density than traditional geothermal.
Shayle and Carlos explore a range of topics, including:
Why 800 degree water is the “ideal” temperature for deep geothermal
How "activating" permeability in deep rock differs from traditional fracking
The state of Quaise’s Oregon project pilot, including their goal of a commercial-grade flow test by the end of 2026
How the LCOE of super hot geothermal compares to traditional baseload energy sources
Resources
Catalyst: How geothermal gets built
Open Circuit: Is this geothermal’s breakout moment?
Latitude Media: Armed with $115 million, geothermal startup Zanskar gets ready to build
Green Blueprint: Sage Geosystems’ bet on geothermal energy storage
Latitude Media: Fervo’s Tim Latimer is ‘bullish’ on DOE funding for geothermal
Credits: Hosted by Shayle Kann. Produced and edited by Max Savage Levenson. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor.
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