Central Oregon is not just known for its breathtaking landscapes, it’s now leading the way in geothermal energy innovation. Mazama Energy, Inc. (Mazama Energy), has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to demonstrate a first-of-its-kind superhot rock (SHR) enhanced geothermal system on the western flank of Newberry Volcano in Oregon.
The SHR Demonstration Project at Newberry aims to prove that Mazama Energy’s new technologies can economically extract heat from the earth in places previously considered unfeasible. The project will test several advanced methods in two new deep wells planned for drilling in super-hot rocks in 2025 and 2026. This initiative aims to create the first commercially viable geothermal reservoir in super-hot rocks, potentially generating five to ten times more power than conventional systems with minimal CO2 emissions.
“Mazama Energy is at the forefront of transforming geothermal energy into a reliable, sustainable, and economically viable power source for the future,” said Dr. Alain Bonneville, chief geoscientist at Mazama Energy. “With our SHR Demonstration Project at Newberry, we aim to unlock new technologies and methods that can be replicated across geothermal sites globally, paving the way for the next generation of geothermal energy.”
Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source, tapping into the earth’s natural heat. While conventional geothermal systems rely on naturally occurring hot water reservoirs, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) can be developed in locations lacking these natural reservoirs. SHR EGS, the next evolution, taps into superhot rocks — subsurface formations with temperatures exceeding 705°F (374°C) — to generate much more power compared to current systems.
The DOE-funded SHR EGS Demonstration project will officially launch in January 2025, in collaboration with three DOE national laboratories (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory) and two leading universities (University of Oklahoma and Oregon State University). This milestone marks a significant advancement in creating the first-ever SHR EGS system.
In October 2024, Mazama Energy initiated feasibility testing in an existing geothermal well at Newberry Volcano. After weeks of upgrades, including replacing the bottom section of the casing and re-cementing, the project will reach a pivotal stage on December 22, when well stimulation is planned to begin. This phase involves well stimulation at a depth of 10,000 feet, allowing cold water to be injected to harvest the geothermal heat. These operations are expected to be completed within one week.
Mazama’s partnerships with over 40 businesses and contractors, many based in south Deschutes County, will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and support the local economy. These partnerships ensure that the community shares in the project’s impact by providing employment opportunities, fostering local expertise, and strengthening economic ties within the region.
“The affordable alternative energy generated by this project will not only enhance our area’s competitiveness as a business destination but also create high-quality jobs while strengthening the region’s energy security,” said Patricia Lucas, executive director of the Sunriver/La Pine Economic Development Program.
Newberry is an ideal location for demonstrating and developing SHR geothermal technology due to its high thermal gradient and access to superhot rocks at relatively shallow depths as it has been demonstrated after 50 years of geothermal exploration.
About Mazama Energy:
Mazama Energy is a geothermal operator and development company dedicated to advancing technologies and methods for extracting heat from superhot rocks to generate utility-scale, carbon-free, baseload energy. The company’s capabilities are derived from its founders AltaRock Energy and Blade Energy Partners.
