# 224. Geothermal Could Save the Grid. So Why’s No One Talking About It?

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2025-07-15
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it-KqX_YIbN

## Summary

The hosts discuss Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), a technology leveraging advanced oil and gas drilling techniques to generate baseload power from hot rock anywhere, potentially supplying 20% of US energy by 2050. They analyze specific technologies like PDC drill bits, directional drilling, and fracking, while debating the economic viability of EGS against falling solar and battery costs. The conversation highlights the FORGE project in Utah as a key pilot and addresses the high capital risk and uncertainty surrounding whether these costs will drop sufficiently to compete with established renewables.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [2:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=135) Traditional vs Enhanced Geothermal Systems
- [4:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=281) EGS Mechanics and the Princeton Study
- [7:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=456) Cost Challenges and the FORGE Project
- [11:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=691) Oil and Gas Technology Borrowed for Geothermal
- [14:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=886) Debate: Geothermal vs Solar and Battery Storage
- [19:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-07-15-224-geothermal-could-save-the-grid-so-whys-no-one-talking-about-it#t=1176) Conclusion and Summary

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- FORGE project (other)
- PDC drill bits (tool)
- sodium ion batteries (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Going deep on next-gen geothermal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-06-27-going-deep-on-next-gen-geothermal) (Catalyst)
- [Could geothermal become a major zero-emissions player?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-09-09-could-geothermal-become-a-major-zero-emissions-player) (Catalyst)
- [How geothermal gets built](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2025-05-29-how-geothermal-gets-built) (Catalyst)
- [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)
- [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)

## Citing this page

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