Digging deep for super hot geothermal

Catalyst · 5 Mar 2026 · 36m

What this episode covers

Carlos Araque, founder and CEO of Quaise Energy, explains the company's approach to super hot geothermal energy using millimeter-wave drilling technology to reach depths of up to 12 miles and temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit. He contrasts this with traditional hydrothermal geothermal, noting that while shallow super-hot systems (3-4 miles) can leverage existing oil and gas drilling precedents, deeper systems require vaporizing rock to access ubiquitous heat resources. Araque outlines Quaise's roadmap, targeting a commercial-grade flow test in Oregon by the end of 2026, with subsequent milestones for deeper, supercritical wells by 2028.

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