A US-based 50MW geothermal plant is aiming to tap heat deep beneath the Earth’s surface using a novel millimetre wave drilling technology.
Clean energy start-up Quaise Energy has begun work on the first phase of its geothermal power plant Project Obsidian. Located in central Oregon near the Newberry Volcano, the plant is expected to be operational by 2030.
Geothermal power plants tap into naturally hot reservoirs deep underground and use this heat to generate electricity. Hot water or steam is brought to the surface through wells, where it drives a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity.
Quaise Energy aims to go much deeper underground than conventional plants, tapping into geothermal resources exceeding 300°C at depths of approximately 5km, using high-frequency millimetre wave technology.
Conventional drilling methods mechanically break up rock. However, mechanical drill bits are unable to withstand the temperature and pressures found deep underground, whereas the firm...