Geothermal Power Generation — Breakthrough?

Here’s a note from Gary Tulie, a frequent commenter in the UK:

Craig:  I would like to let you know about an innovative company in Slovakia developing a spallation [a process in which fragments of material (spall) are ejected from a body due to impact or stress] drilling technique to allow geothermal power generation almost anywhere. The drilling technique is non-contact and uses a plasma torch. The bore can be lined as it is drilled using melted rock, and costs are expected to be approximately linear with depth down to 8km to 10km.  (Traditional drilling costs go exponential beyond around 3km). Bores can be drilled at constant diameter from top to bottom, and drilling is faster than contact drilling.

You may wish to find out more, or to write an article about the technology. Alternatively, if you would like, I could prepare a short article for 2GreenEnergy on the subject.

Terrific!  I’m rooting for geothermal, but the past few years haven’t been too auspicious.  And of course, the costs of drilling are a major issue, as a) there is no way to know in advance what you’re going to find, and b) you’re drilling through some of the toughest rock in the Earth’s crust. 

I’ll take you up on your offer to write an article, Gary.  This is fascinating stuff; I’ll look forward to reading your piece.