Mazama Energy secures $135M to drill 3‑mile deep super‑hot rock geothermal wells

Mazama Energy, the Silicon Valley‑based geothermal pioneer, announced a fresh $135 million financing round led by Khosla Ventures. The capital will fund an ambitious drilling campaign aimed at accessing “super‑hot rock” located roughly three miles (about five kilometres) beneath the Earth’s surface. These rock formations, heated to 350‑400 °C, store far more thermal energy than conventional geothermal reservoirs and could unlock a new tier of clean‑power generation.

The company plans to drill three deep wells, each targeting the high‑temperature zone. The flagship well is designed to deliver a steady 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity around the clock – enough to power well over a thousand average U.S. homes continuously. Mazama labels the approach “super‑hot rock geothermal” and argues that, unlike traditional geothermal sites limited to specific tectonic settings, this method could be deployed in many regions worldwide.

Most of the $135 M will go toward state‑of‑the‑art drilling rigs, advanced geophysical modeling, and a multi‑year testing program. Mazama is already coordinating with local authorities and federal regulators to secure permits quickly while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. The founders stress that the project represents a decisive step toward decarbonizing the grid and meeting global climate commitments.

The first well is slated for completion by late 2027, with power‑generation trials expected to begin in 2028. If the technology proves viable, Mazama could reshape the economics of geothermal energy, offering a scalable, baseload renewable source that competes directly with fossil‑fuel plants. The success of this venture would not only validate the super‑hot rock concept but also accelerate worldwide investment in next‑generation geothermal solutions.

Source: TechCrunch

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