Startup Mazama Energy has announced the successful drilling of the world’s hottest geothermal well, reaching a temperature of 331°C in the state of Oregon. Company representative and venture investor Vinod Khosla stated at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference that the site has the potential to generate up to 5 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power thousands of households. The project aims to drill even hotter wells—up to 400°C—which would increase electricity output to 25 megawatts per well, two to three times higher than that of competitors.

Unlike traditional geothermal power plants that rely on shallow, low-temperature sources, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology enables deeper drilling to access a stable and powerful heat source from the Earth’s crust—operating continuously and without carbon emissions.

This innovative project, which uses 70% less water, could meet a significant share of U.S. energy needs, accelerating the transition to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.