Superhot rock energy is a visionary geothermal technology that gathers heat from deep in the Earth to power low-carbon electricity production and clean hydrogen generation. It can serve as an affordable, always-on clean energy source, and it has the potential to transition knowledge, expertise and technologies from oil and gas into clean energy jobs. Furthermore, superhot rock has low land use requirements, and can increase energy security by providing a local source of abundant, clean firm power.
Mapping superhot rock energy
Superhot rock energy is considered to be most efficient when drilling into rock that is highly pressurized (22 MPa) and hotter than about 374°C (ideally as hot as 400°C or more). Once the hot rock is accessed, water is circulated through fractures or pipes to gather heat and then brought safely back to the surface. While this is an emerging technology, a number of projects have already reached superhot conditions, and more are planned for the future.
The depth required to reach superhot rock varies - in some parts of the Earth's crust the heat is shallow, and in some parts it is deeper. Research laboratories across the world are currently working to improve our understanding of the depth to temperatures of 400°C by increasing the accuracy of simulated models and cross-referencing measurements taken in the field. Furthermore, private industry is actively pushing the frontiers of drilling technology and providing innovative solutions so that superhot rock can be accessed almost anywhere in the world, no matter how deep. Currently, superhot rock can be accessed where heat is shallow (i.e., less than 10 km deep).
In order to drive awareness of superhot rock energy's unparalleled potential, CATF created a Superhot Rock Project Map which highlights superhot rock projects in various states of maturity. The map shows the estimated depth to reach 450°C across the world, as well as existing and planned superhot rock projects and wells. The wells and projects are grouped into regions. Factsheets for each region provide more information on the depth of superhot rock wells, pressure and temperature reached, the region's tectonic setting, and the local geology and reservoir type. These factsheets are available by clicking into the regions noted on the map. These factsheets will be augmented in 2023 with data specific to well-failures (if applicable) and unique innovations stemming from each project or well.
