Laser Drills Could Relight Geothermal Energy Dreams
December 14, 2012
Commercial-grade laser technology is trying to punch holes in hard igneous rocks, a feat that would change the mathematics of low-carbon energy and could significantly decrease well costs by increasing drilling rates by a factor of 10.
Development has been funded by the US Department of Energy's research arm, ARPA-E. Borehole drilling trials are planned for next year.