The first of these systems, dubbed ‘Anchorbit,’ is effectively an anchor technology that involves a high degree of stabilization of the drill bit, mitigating vibrations that can occur when drilling is carried out using long distance cables, and allowing for extra weight pressure and elongated drill lifespan. This particular drilling system is capable of handling around six kilometres worth of drilling.
At deeper levels, the ‘Plasmabit’ system comes into play. This drilling system makes use of pulse plasma technology in which rocks are cracked using ultra-hot ionized gas, with high-pressure water then being used to convey pieces of rock up to the surface.
Given the acceleration towards a decarbonized future, these cost-efficient and high-performance geothermal drilling systems could play a key role in accelerating the use of geothermal energy.
Image Credit: GA Drilling
