Unlocking Clean Energy: GA Drilling Teams Up with NREL to Bring Geothermal Power Technology to Market

This partnership is all about getting this technology ready for field testing in real commercial drilling operations. NREL has already created a powerful downhole generator, which they’ve successfully tested for generating power during geothermal drilling. GA Drilling plans to integrate this generator tech into their own PLASMABIT® Hybrid drilling system.

Igor Kocis, CEO of GA Drilling, stated, “Geothermal energy can change how we produce clean energy. Working with NREL is a big step towards making deep geothermal drilling more efficient.” They aim to tackle technical challenges and speed up the use of their innovative drilling system.

Drilling through tough, hot rock requires high-energy methods. Traditionally, powering drills meant using electric cables, which can be costly and complicated. NREL’s new downhole generator solves this by generating electricity right at the drill bit. It works at temperatures up to 250°C, which means no more delays from power cables and a smoother drilling process. The next big goal is full-scale testing in commercial systems.

GA Drilling is making strides toward commercial use. This partnership helps refine their technology and prepares for future field tests. It’s a significant move for the company as it works to solidify its place in the growing ultra-deep geothermal market, where cost-effective drilling methods are in high demand.

Geothermal energy is one of our most plentiful and dependable renewable resources, yet it currently only contributes to less than 0.2% of global energy production. However, with breakthroughs in ultra-deep drilling technology from companies like GA Drilling, the potential for growth in this sector is enormous.

For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.

Energy Global’s Winter 2024 issue

This issue features insights from industry leaders and covers topics like solar optimization, energy storage, and geothermal operations, making it a must-read for those interested in renewable energy trends.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/14022025/ga-drilling-collaborates-with-nrel-to-commercialise-geothermal-power-technology/