Geothermal energy turns red hot

The MIT Energy Initiative's 2026 Spring Symposium brought together researchers, investors, and industry players to discuss next-generation geothermal energy. Key themes included advanced drilling technologies (including millimeter-wave rock vaporization by MIT spinout Quaise Energy), enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) like Utah FORGE, closed-loop underground systems, and probabilistic subsurface modeling. Real-world deployments are already delivering power — Fervo Energy's Cape Station aims for 100 MW this year, and Eavor's Germany project delivered first power in December. Experts emphasized that reaching depths of 6–10 km is critical for economic viability, but requires entirely new materials, drill bits, and rigs. Policy and permitting were noted as important but secondary to technical readiness.