Superhot Geothermal Could Power a 24/7 Clean Energy Future

U.S. firm targets high-temperature rock to deliver round-the-clock clean energy with enhanced geothermal systems

3 Mar 2025

Fervo Energy, a Houston-based geothermal developer, is advancing a new wave of high-temperature drilling that could shift geothermal energy from niche to mainstream in the U.S. energy mix.

The company is targeting superhot rock formations reaching over 500°F (270°C), once considered too extreme for conventional drilling. With support from U.S. government agencies and national laboratories, Fervo is deploying Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), a technology that fractures deep rock to allow water to circulate and capture underground heat.

Unlike traditional geothermal, which relies on naturally occurring hydrothermal systems, EGS can be applied in a wider range of geological settings. Higher temperatures also mean greater energy output per well and the ability to supply power continuously, regardless of whether or time of day.

“These are the kinds of breakthroughs that can take geothermal from niche to mainstream,” said Angela Seligman of the Clean Air Task Force, a climate advocacy group. “Accessing rock that is hot could revolutionize energy cycles and industrial processes alike.”

Fervo’s approach combines resilient materials with real-time monitoring to manage heat, pressure, and fluid flow in extreme environments. Early test results suggest stable performance, although long-term system durability remains under review.

Beyond electricity, superhot geothermal could be used to supply process heat to manufacturing, produce low-carbon hydrogen, or support energy-intensive sectors such as data centres. According to Fervo, the accessible rock layer lies beneath much of the continental U.S., potentially expanding clean energy access to areas underserved by wind or solar.

Barriers remain, including the high cost of deep drilling and the technical complexity of maintaining engineered reservoirs under intense conditions. However, increased public funding, growing interest from investors, and recent policy support under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act have brought fresh momentum to the sector.

Fervo is among a handful of companies seeking to scale EGS over the next decade, with pilot projects underway in Nevada and Utah. While commercial deployment is still years away, industry analysts say superhot geothermal could become a core part of U.S. baseload generation if engineering challenges are resolved.