A Preliminary Techno-Economic Model of Superhot Rock Energy

This technical report provides the analytical basis for the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) estimates described in the November 2022, Clean Air Task Force report entitled, Superhot Rock Energy: A Vision for Firm, Global Zero-Carbon Energy. This report illustrates that, with engineering innovations in deep drilling, reservoir creation, well construction and downhole tools, superhot rock energy could achieve competitive costs at scale – potentially as low as $20-35 per megawatt-hour (MWh). This would make superhot rock energy competitive in nearly every global electricity market. Combined with its zero emissions profile and ability to tap energy dense heat nearly everywhere means the superhot rock energy could be truly transformative.