Quaise wins up to $25 million from the US Department of Energy for its Oregon superhot geothermal project

Quaise Energy

The US Department of Energy selected Quaise Energy as one of five entities for an award of up to $25 million. The money supports Project Obsidian in Oregon, which Quaise says will be the world's first commercial superhot geothermal power plant; drilling of the first confirmation well began in July 2026.

• The first confirmation well is about 15,000 feet deep and reaches rock up to 750°F (about 400°C).
• Phase One plans seven wells expected to deliver more than 50 megawatts to the grid by 2030.
• The article does not name the DOE program that funds the award.
• About a month before the Geothermal Rising conference, Quaise closed a $180 million Series B led by Nabors Industries and Prelude Ventures.