Superhot Rock Geothermal in Washington

The document highlights superhot rock geothermal as a scalable, zero-emission energy source that could significantly contribute to Washington's goal of zero-emissions electricity by 2045. Preliminary modeling indicates that just 1% of Washington's superhot rock resource could provide 126 GW of energy capacity, which is 12 times the state's 2023 electricity consumption. The technology is described as highly energy-dense, requiring only 12 sq mi of land per 1 GW, and provides reliable 24/7 power that reduces the need for excess transmission and backup generation.

• Superhot rock geothermal is an emerging technology that pumps water into deep underground rocks to produce steam for carbon-free electricity, clean hydrogen, and other high-energy products. Unlike traditional geothermal, it does not require natural underground water sources, making it potentially viable globally.
• Preliminary modeling suggests Washington has vast superhot rock resources; 1% of this resource could provide 126 GW of energy capacity, generating over 1,051,194 GWh of electricity. This amount is 12 times Washington's 2023 electricity consumption of 89,553 GWh and is equivalent to 618 million barrels of oil.
• Superhot rock geothermal is significantly more land-efficient than other energy sources. Producing 1 GW requires approximately 12 sq mi of land, whereas natural gas requires 160 sq mi, solar 180 sq mi, offshore wind 520 sq mi, and biomass 14,000 sq mi.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (n.d.). Superhot Rock Geothermal in Washington. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22150235/Washington-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Superhot Rock Geothermal in Washington. n.d. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22150235/Washington-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Superhot Rock Geothermal in Washington |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22150235/Washington-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforcendsuperhot, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Superhot Rock Geothermal in Washington}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22150235/Washington-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }