Next-Generation Geothermal (Superhot Rock)

Next-generation geothermal from superhot rock yields 5–10 times more energy per well than conventional geothermal systems, tapping supercritical fluids at depths exceeding 4 km and temperatures above 400°C. Iceland's Deep Drilling Project reached 4.6 km in 2023, achieving fluid temperatures of 427°C that produce over 50 MW per well—five times the 10 MW typical from traditional reservoirs. Fervo Energy in Nevada confirmed this potential with a 2-week flow test generating 3.5 MW from a single well pair, demonstrating a 70% capacity factor. This is cheaper than the typical enhanced geothermal system by about 40% when considering energy output per dollar invested. However, drilling costs exceed $10 million per well, 30% higher than #6 agrivoltaic's panel installation for equivalent annual energy generation.