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Steam rising from the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station in Iceland, a plant using traditional geothermal technology. (Wikipedia image)
Quaise Energy is advancing plans to build the world’s first
commercial-scale superhot geothermal power plant, with initial
construction underway in Oregon and operations targeted as early as
2030, according to company materials and research presented at the
2026 Stanford Geothermal Workshop .
The project, known as Project
Obsidian, aims to tap underground rock exceeding 300°C to generate
constant, carbon-free electricity. Early analysis suggests the first
phase could produce at least 50 megawatts of power from a small
number of wells operating շուրջ the clock, with later expansion
targeting 250 MW and eventually up to 1 gigawatt at the site .
Company officials say the technology
could unlock geothermal energy globally, including in regions where
it has previously been inaccessible. A key innovation is the use of
millimeter-wave drilling, which melts and vaporizes rock, potentially
enabling access to heat resources miles beneath the Earth’s
surface—depths beyond the limits of conventional oil and gas
drilling .
Despite the promise, uncertainties
remain. Engineers are studying subsurface chemistry, fluid behavior,
and optimal plant design, with a “confirmation well” expected to
provide critical data later this year .
If successful, the implications could
be substantial. A 2025 Clean Air Task Force report estimates that
tapping just 1% of global superhot rock resources could yield more
than eight times today’s worldwide electricity generation .
Project Obsidian will also test a
phased development strategy, beginning with lower-risk temperature
targets before advancing to hotter, deeper resources. The facility’s
compact footprint—about 20 acres—highlights geothermal’s
potential land-use advantage over solar and wind energy systems .
Researchers say the project will help
determine whether superhot geothermal can become a scalable, reliable
cornerstone of future clean energy systems.
With those concepts in mind, back in February, Representatives
Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) and Mark Amodei (R, NV-02) introduced
the Hot
Rock Act,
which promotes the research, testing, and development of superhot
rock geothermal energy – one of the most promising clean-energy
technologies. This legislation aims to unleash clean, affordable,
reliable power across the United States.
This
innovative and cost-effective system extracts and produces geothermal
energy from natural heat stored in rock or fluid at temperatures of
300 degrees Celsius or greater. In practice, hot dry rock geothermal
projects can produce electricity or industrial heat by injecting
water deep into geothermal reservoirs, heating it, and returning it
to the Earth’s surface as steam.
Superhot
rock geothermal promises to expand the map of where geothermal is
feasible by drilling deep enough to reach resources that exist
everywhere, not just in areas rich with shallower geothermal
resources.
This
legislation supports the acceleration of superhot rock geothermal
development by:
- creating
milestone-based research grant programs, - authorizing
a frontier field research observatory, - reforming
geothermal permitting to make geothermal deployment easier, and - a
workforce cross-training program to train workers for the geothermal
industry.
Please
find the full text of the bill here.
“Clean,
abundant energy is the most important industrial policy the United
States can pursue. Promoting superhot rock geothermal is a big,
bipartisan opportunity to make progress,” said
Congressman Auchincloss. “This
strategic industry has huge potential: lower utility bills, more
jobs, climate action, and greater leverage in energy diplomacy."
“A
recent USGS study found that enhanced geothermal systems in the Great
Basin could supply approximately 10 percent of the nation’s
electricity demand,” said
Rep. Mark Amodei. “Nevada
has the potential to unlock this resource and lead the nation in
reliable, clean energy. From powering rural communities and
strengthening critical mineral production to meeting the growing
demands of data centers, geothermal energy delivers dependable 24/7
power. This bill encourages job creation across the West by formally
recognizing these superhot resources and making them eligible for
federal assistance in research, development, and exploratory
activities.”
"Quaise
Energy applauds Reps Auchincloss and Amodei for introducing the Hot
Rock Act,” said
Matt Houde, Co-founder and Chief of Staff, Quaise Energy. “This
bill recognizes that the future of energy lies in unlocking the vast
superhot rock beneath our feet. By investing in the research and
workforce necessary for terawatt-scale geothermal and laying the
foundation of a commercial demonstration program, the Hot Rock Act
sets up a new era of clean, firm, baseload power that can be deployed
virtually anywhere.”
“Next
generation geothermal is the next frontier of innovation in American
energy,” said
Alec Stapp, Co-CEO, Institute for Progress. “The
energy under our feet has the potential to provide abundant base load
power to improve reliability and lower costs. But harnessing the full
potential of geothermal energy will require innovation to operate in
deep, supercritical conditions. The Hot
Rock Act comprehensively
supports supercritical geothermal R&D by balancing targeted
government investment with smart incentives for private companies and
targeted regulatory reforms. IFP commends Congressman Auchincloss for
his forward looking work to support innovation in American energy.”
“Next-generation
geothermal technologies, including superhot rock systems, can play a
critical role in meeting America's growing need for reliable,
affordable energy,” said
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Climate and Energy, Third
Way. “Scaling
these innovative systems requires robust support from Congress and
ambitious policymaking to unlock the full potential of our geothermal
resources. We applaud Reps. Auchincloss and Amodei for advancing
creative solutions to pave the way for these innovative clean
technologies.”
“The
Hot Rock Act offers support to a next-generation geothermal
technology with much promise for energy reliability and
abundance,” said
Elan Sykes, Director of Energy and Climate Policy at the Progressive
Policy Institute. “This
bill has the potential to both strengthen U.S. energy security and
create high-quality jobs in communities across the country.”
“The
Hot Rock Act is a step in the right direction for unlocking America's
vast geothermal potential,” said
Derek Kaufman, President of Inclusive Abundance Action.
“Representatives
Auchincloss and Amodei are right that geothermal energy deserves
serious federal investment to bring down electricity costs
nationwide, and we're encouraged to see bipartisan momentum behind
the kind of R&D support and workforce development that can
accelerate deployment.”
“Our
grassroots volunteers nationwide are eager to see more clean energy
options in the United States, and many of them are excited by the
promise of reliable, around-the-clock clean power from
next-generation geothermal energy. The Hot Rock Act takes a positive
step toward realizing that promise by making critical investments in
research, demonstration, and workforce development that can unlock
superhot geothermal resources safely and responsibly,” said
Jennifer Tyler, VP Gov Affairs, Citizens' Climate Lobby.
“We applaud Congressman Auchincloss and Congressman Amodei for
their leadership in advancing responsible energy innovation and
expanding America’s clean, firm power future.”
“Powering
American reindustrialization will require marshaling all of our
energy resources, including the ones beneath our feet,” said
the New American Industrial Alliance. “The
Hot Rock Bill leads the way in developing next-generation geothermal
technology with smart, measurable goals and streamlined review
processes to one day make hot dry rock a clean energy alternative for
American builders. NAIA thanks Rep. Auchincloss and Rep. Amodei for
their leadership in this effort.”
“This
bipartisan bill would accelerate next-generation geothermal
technologies and expand the geography where clean firm resources can
be deployed,” said
the Clean Energy Buyers Association. “By
bolstering U.S. Department of Energy programs, supporting subsurface
research, and streamlining exploration approvals, the Hot
Rock Act would
help superhot geothermal become an affordable, reliable, carbon
emissions-free energy source.”
"America’s
world-leading drilling expertise is a strategic technological
advantage well worth new investment, particularly for tapping
superhot underground geothermal heat energy,” said
the Breakthrough Institute. “Targeted
funding to support innovative technology development and deployment
in geothermal power is a key part of national planning for an
abundant American energy future. The Breakthrough Institute commends
Representatives Auchincloss and Amodei for introducing the bold and
forward-thinking Hot
Rock Act,
which aims to supercharge U.S. leadership in an emerging energy
sector poised for growth.”
