Mazama Energy Achieves World-Record Superhot Geothermal Well in Oregon

Mazama Energy has developed the world's hottest enhanced geothermal system (EGS) at its Newberry, Oregon site, achieving a record bottomhole temperature of 629°F (331°C). The company aims to scale its initial 15 MW commercial pilot project to a 200 MW development and plans to drill deeper to reach even higher temperatures of 750°F (400°C), potentially generating 25 MW from a single borehole—two to three times more than current competitors. Enhanced geothermal systems use advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques to access super-hot rock deep underground, enabling continuous, carbon-free, and cost-stable electricity production that can meet the growing energy demands of data centers and electric vehicles. Supported by Khosla Ventures, Mazama's breakthrough could unlock gigawatt-scale power, with potential output exceeding 100 gigawatts, surpassing near-term AI energy needs. This innovation promises to improve power density, reduce water usage, and decrease the number of required wells compared to traditional geothermal methods. Enhanced geothermal energy is viewed as a critical technology for providing reliable, round-the-clock clean energy in the U.S., with reservoirs like those in Nevada's Great Basin capable of meeting significant portions of the country's energy demand.