Cong. Auchincloss Sees Energy Hope in Hot Rocks
Quaise Energy is advancing plans to build the world’s first commercial-scale superhot geothermal power plant, with initial construction underway in Oregon and operations targeted as early as 2030, according to company materials and research presented at the 2026 Stanford Geothermal Workshop .
The project, known as Project Obsidian, aims to tap underground rock exceeding 300°C to generate constant, carbon-free electricity. Early analysis suggests the first phase could produce at least 50 megawatts of power from a small number of wells operating ????? the clock, with later expansion targeting 250 MW and eventually up to 1 gigawatt at the site .
Company officials say the technology could unlock geothermal energy globally, including in regions where it has previously been inaccessible. A key innovation is the use of millimeter-wave drilling, which melts and vaporizes rock, potentially enabling access to heat resources miles beneath the Earth’s surface—depths beyond the limits of conventional oil and gas drilling.
Despite the promise, uncertainties remain. Engineers are studying subsurface chemistry, fluid behavior, and optimal plant design, with a “confirmation well” expected to provide critical data later this year.
If successful, the implications could be substantial. A 2025 Clean Air Task Force report estimates that tapping just 1% of global superhot rock resources could yield more than eight times today’s worldwide electricity generation .
Project Obsidian will also test a phased development strategy, beginning with lower-risk temperature targets before advancing to hotter, deeper resources. The facility’s compact footprint—about 20 acres—highlights geothermal’s potential land-use advantage over solar and wind energy systems .
Researchers say the project will help determine whether superhot geothermal can become a scalable, reliable cornerstone of future clean energy systems.
With those concepts in mind, back in February, Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) and Mark Amodei (R, NV-02) introduced the Hot Rock Act, which promotes the research, testing, and development of superhot rock geothermal energy – one of the most promising clean-energy technologies. This legislation aims to unleash clean, affordable, reliable power across the United States.
This innovative and cost-effective system extracts and produces geothermal energy from natural heat stored in rock or fluid at temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius or greater. In practice, hot dry rock geothermal projects can produce electricity or industrial heat by injecting water deep into geothermal reservoirs, heating it, and returning it to the Earth’s surface as steam.
Superhot rock geothermal promises to expand the map of where geothermal is feasible by drilling deep enough to reach resources that exist everywhere, not just in areas rich with shallower geothermal resources.
This legislation supports the acceleration of superhot rock geothermal development by:
- creating milestone-based research grant programs,
- authorizing a frontier field research observatory,
- reforming geothermal permitting to make geothermal deployment easier, and
- a workforce cross-training program to train workers for the geothermal industry.
Please find the full text of the bill here.
“Clean, abundant energy is the most important industrial policy the United States can pursue. Promoting superhot rock geothermal is a big, bipartisan opportunity to make progress,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “This strategic industry has huge potential: lower utility bills, more jobs, climate action, and greater leverage in energy diplomacy."
“A recent USGS study found that enhanced geothermal systems in the Great Basin could supply approximately 10 percent of the nation’s electricity demand,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “Nevada has the potential to unlock this resource and lead the nation in reliable, clean energy. From powering rural communities and strengthening critical mineral production to meeting the growing demands of data centers, geothermal energy delivers dependable 24/7 power. This bill encourages job creation across the West by formally recognizing these superhot resources and making them eligible for federal assistance in research, development, and exploratory activities.”
"Quaise Energy applauds Reps Auchincloss and Amodei for introducing the Hot Rock Act,” said Matt Houde, Co-founder and Chief of Staff, Quaise Energy. “This bill recognizes that the future of energy lies in unlocking the vast superhot rock beneath our feet. By investing in the research and workforce necessary for terawatt-scale geothermal and laying the foundation of a commercial demonstration program, the Hot Rock Act sets up a new era of clean, firm, baseload power that can be deployed virtually anywhere.”
“Next generation geothermal is the next frontier of innovation in American energy,” said Alec Stapp, Co-CEO, Institute for Progress. “The energy under our feet has the potential to provide abundant base load power to improve reliability and lower costs. But harnessing the full potential of geothermal energy will require innovation to operate in deep, supercritical conditions. The Hot Rock Act comprehensively supports supercritical geothermal R&D by balancing targeted government investment with smart incentives for private companies and targeted regulatory reforms. IFP commends Congressman Auchincloss for his forward looking work to support innovation in American energy.”
“Next-generation geothermal technologies, including superhot rock systems, can play a critical role in meeting America's growing need for reliable, affordable energy,” said Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Climate and Energy, Third Way. “Scaling these innovative systems requires robust support from Congress and ambitious policymaking to unlock the full potential of our geothermal resources. We applaud Reps. Auchincloss and Amodei for advancing creative solutions to pave the way for these innovative clean technologies.”
“The Hot Rock Act offers support to a next-generation geothermal technology with much promise for energy reliability and abundance,” said Elan Sykes, Director of Energy and Climate Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute. “This bill has the potential to both strengthen U.S. energy security and create high-quality jobs in communities across the country.”
“The Hot Rock Act is a step in the right direction for unlocking America's vast geothermal potential,” said Derek Kaufman, President of Inclusive Abundance Action. “Representatives Auchincloss and Amodei are right that geothermal energy deserves serious federal investment to bring down electricity costs nationwide, and we're encouraged to see bipartisan momentum behind the kind of R&D support and workforce development that can accelerate deployment.”
“Our grassroots volunteers nationwide are eager to see more clean energy options in the United States, and many of them are excited by the promise of reliable, around-the-clock clean power from next-generation geothermal energy. The Hot Rock Act takes a positive step toward realizing that promise by making critical investments in research, demonstration, and workforce development that can unlock superhot geothermal resources safely and responsibly,” said Jennifer Tyler, VP Gov Affairs, Citizens' Climate Lobby. “We applaud Congressman Auchincloss and Congressman Amodei for their leadership in advancing responsible energy innovation and expanding America’s clean, firm power future.”
“Powering American reindustrialization will require marshaling all of our energy resources, including the ones beneath our feet,” said the New American Industrial Alliance. “The Hot Rock Bill leads the way in developing next-generation geothermal technology with smart, measurable goals and streamlined review processes to one day make hot dry rock a clean energy alternative for American builders. NAIA thanks Rep. Auchincloss and Rep. Amodei for their leadership in this effort.”
“This bipartisan bill would accelerate next-generation geothermal technologies and expand the geography where clean firm resources can be deployed,” said the Clean Energy Buyers Association. “By bolstering U.S. Department of Energy programs, supporting subsurface research, and streamlining exploration approvals, the Hot Rock Act would help superhot geothermal become an affordable, reliable, carbon emissions-free energy source.”
"America’s world-leading drilling expertise is a strategic technological advantage well worth new investment, particularly for tapping superhot underground geothermal heat energy,” said the Breakthrough Institute. “Targeted funding to support innovative technology development and deployment in geothermal power is a key part of national planning for an abundant American energy future. The Breakthrough Institute commends Representatives Auchincloss and Amodei for introducing the bold and forward-thinking Hot Rock Act, which aims to supercharge U.S. leadership in an emerging energy sector poised for growth.”
By: Alan Earls
Source: Franklin Observer