From Superinnovators 02/02/24
Slovakia-based GA Drilling (f. 2008) is developing PLASMABIT, a drilling solution that uses a high-power rotating electric arc that produces 6000℃ plasma (ionised hot gas) to disintegrate any material without direct contact.
The technology is designed to lower drilling costs and increase efficiency at greater depths up to 10km, enabling deep geothermal energy extraction from any location on Earth.
The technique is slower than conventional mechanical drilling in sediment/soft rocks but much faster at drilling hard rocks found deeper down, according to the company.
Following multiple tests, they demonstrated a proof of the concept PLASMABIT in a high pressure environment in 2016, and their last drilling test update was in 2020.
More info:
https://www.gadrilling.com/plasmabit/
More info
https://www.gadrilling.com/plasmabit/
