Energy fuels the wheels of modern society. AI data centers, power grids, and the digital economy all depend on energy that never sleeps. Geothermal energy could offer limitless baseload energy by tapping into the Earth’s immense heat. But steep project costs, complex regulations, and limited access have been standing in the way of releasing its potential.

Closed-loop geothermal systems (CLGS) offer a promising solution. Rather than relying on naturally occurring reservoirs, CLGS circulates a working fluid through a sealed network of pipes that absorb heat from surrounding rocks and bring it to the surface. Because the fluid remains contained within the loop, the system minimises environmental risks, simplifies permitting, and makes geothermal energy viable anywhere.

However, turning CLGS into a commercial reality requires a radical improvement in how these wells are drilled. Conventional drills quickly wear out when faced with the hard granites and superhot temperatures several kilometers underground. This makes drilling slow, costly, and often economically unfeasible.