# Digging deep for super hot geothermal

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2026-03-05
- Length: 36m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=7) Introduction and Geothermal Context
- [4:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=245) Traditional vs. Super Hot Geothermal
- [6:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=390) Depth, Temperature, and Geography
- [11:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=697) Permeability and Fracturing Physics
- [19:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=1176) Technical Challenges and Materials
- [23:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=1380) Project Strategy and Precedent
- [27:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=1635) Unit Economics and LCOE
- [30:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=1804) Drilling Speed and Millimeter-Wave Tech
- [32:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-03-05-digging-deep-for-super-hot-geothermal#t=1943) Milestones and Future Roadmap

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Quaise Energy (company)
- EnergyHub (company)
- EPFL (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Future of Geothermal Energy Generation with Carlos Araque, CEO & Co-founder of Quaise](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2022-07-21-the-future-of-geothermal-energy-generation-with-carlos-araque-ceo-co-founder-of) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [HIBT Lab! Quaise Energy: Carlos Araque](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-04-hibt-lab-quaise-energy-carlos-araque) (How I Built This)
- [How AI Is Unlocking Geothermal Power at Scale with Joel Edwards](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-02-19-how-ai-is-unlocking-geothermal-power-at-scale-with-joel-edwards) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [224. Geothermal Could Save the Grid. So Why’s No One Talking About It?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Plasma Tunnel Boring Machines to Revolutionize Energy Transmission: Insights from Troy Helming, Founder and CEO of EarthGrid](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2024-06-20-plasma-tunnel-boring-machines-to-revolutionize-energy-transmission-insights-from) (Hardware to Save a Planet)

## Citing this page

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