WSJ Tech News Briefing: Can a Geothermal Startup Drill the Deepest Holes Ever?

Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Charlotte Gartenberg
Producer: Jess Jupiter
Contributors: Callum Borchers (WSJ Columnist), Benoit Morin (WSJ Reporter)

1. Introduction

In this episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing, Charlotte Gartenberg explores two pivotal topics shaping the technology and energy landscapes. The discussion begins with a shift in parental guidance away from traditional STEM fields towards the arts, influenced by the evolving job market and advancements in artificial intelligence. The episode then delves into the groundbreaking efforts of Quaise Energy, a geothermal startup aiming to revolutionize renewable energy by drilling unprecedentedly deep into the Earth's crust.

2. Shifting Career Advice: From STEM to the Arts

Segment Host: Callum Borchers
Timestamp: [00:23] – [05:38]

For generations, parents have encouraged their children to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, believing these careers promised prosperity and stability. However, recent technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and automation, have begun to disrupt this traditional outlook.

Key Insights:

• Increase in STEM Degrees: Callum Borchers highlights a significant rise in computer science graduates, noting that bachelor’s degrees in the field have nearly tripled since 2009. This surge was initially driven by the perception that tech careers were secure and lucrative.

  “From when I was in college, not that long ago, Charlotte, I mean, 2009, we had 37 or so thousand computer science degrees coming out from bachelor's programs. That number has almost tripled since then.”
  — Callum Borchers [01:59]

• Reevaluation Due to Industry Shifts: Despite the growth in STEM fields, recent layoffs and market volatility in the tech sector have prompted parents to reconsider the safety and long-term viability of these careers for their children.

  “They're second guessing that plan for their own little ones now.”
  — Callum Borchers [02:48]

• Encouraging Passion Over Pragmatism: A growing number of parents are now advising their children to pursue fields they are passionate about, even if those fields lie outside traditional STEM areas. This shift emphasizes personal fulfillment and adaptability over perceived job security.

  “...If I have a daughter someday who says I want to grow up and be an author, I'm going to say, okay, great.”
  — Callum Borchers [02:50]

• Practical Fallbacks: Some parents advocate for a blend of interests, encouraging their children to pursue arts while also maintaining skills in areas unlikely to be automated, such as music or dance.

  “...make sure you keep up with your dance lessons and your vocal lessons. I look at the woman who runs your dance studio and she seems to earn a pretty good living. And oh, by the way, I think that the robot isn't coming for her job.”
  — Callum Borchers [04:49]

Conclusion: The episode underscores a significant paradigm shift in parental guidance, moving from a rigid emphasis on STEM to a more balanced approach that values personal interests and the inherently human aspects of creativity and the arts.

3. Geothermal Innovation: Quaise Energy's Ambitious Drilling Technology

Segment Host: Benoit Morin
Timestamp: [05:47] – [11:35]

As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy sources, geothermal power emerges as a promising yet underutilized option. Benoit Morin delves into the innovations brought forth by Quaise Energy, a startup poised to transform the geothermal landscape.

Understanding Geothermal Power:

• Definition and Current Use: Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth's internal heat to generate electricity. While it accounts for approximately 0.3% of U.S. power generation, its potential remains largely untapped due to geographical and economic limitations.

  “It's energy that you produce by harnessing natural heat in the ground... It only amounts to about 0.3% of US power generation.”
  — Benoit Morin [06:19]

• Challenges: Traditional geothermal energy extraction is confined to regions with natural heat reservoirs, such as Northern California or volcanic regions like Indonesia and the Philippines. Drilling beyond depths of one to two kilometers becomes exponentially more expensive and technically challenging.

Quaise Energy's Innovative Approach:

• Ambitious Drilling Depths: Quaise Energy aims to drill up to 12 miles (approximately 19 kilometers) deep, significantly surpassing existing geothermal wells. This depth could unlock vast geothermal resources previously inaccessible due to technological and financial constraints.

  “They [Quaise Energy] say that it's developed this technology that can make it much easier and cheaper to drill down to incredible depth... up to 12 miles.”
  — Benoit Morin [07:37]

• Millimeter Wave Drilling Technology: The startup employs a novel technique utilizing a gyrotron—a device originally developed by the Soviets in the 1960s and now used in fusion research—to vaporize rock. By directing electromagnetic energy at high temperatures (around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit), Quaise can efficiently melt and drill through hard rock formations.

  “Their secret weapon is a gyrotron... they use energy beams, not lasers, but masers with an M to vaporize rock.”
  — Benoit Morin [08:42]

Pros and Cons:

• Advantages:

  • Depth and Cost Efficiency: The ability to drill deeper at a rate of approximately 11.5 feet per hour could make geothermal energy viable in a broader range of locations.
  • Exponential Energy Output: Deeper wells have access to hotter rocks, potentially providing significantly more energy.

  “The pros is that you get to drill super deep at a relatively affordable cost... you get a lot of power out of it.”
  — Benoit Morin [09:50]

• Challenges:

  • Unproven Technology: This drilling method has never been implemented on such a scale, posing risks related to feasibility and safety.

  “The cons is just that it's never been done ever before.”
  — Benoit Morin [10:32]

Market Timing and Support:

• High Demand for Reliable Power: With the rise of AI data centers and hyperscalers like Microsoft and Meta requiring consistent, 24/7 power, geothermal energy presents a reliable alternative to intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.

• Political and Financial Backing: Both the Biden and Trump administrations have shown support for expanding geothermal energy. Quaise Energy benefits from this political climate, along with significant investor interest.

  “So the CEO of Quaise is very hopeful that they will find support with this current administration.”
  — Benoit Morin [10:34]

Conclusion: Quaise Energy stands at the forefront of geothermal innovation, leveraging advanced drilling technologies to potentially unlock a vast and reliable renewable energy source. Their success could mark a significant milestone in the global transition to sustainable power.

4. Closing Remarks

Charlotte Gartenberg wraps up the episode by acknowledging the efforts of the production team and directing listeners to additional resources, such as the Future of Everything podcast episode on geothermal energy. The briefing underscores the dynamic interplay between technological advancements and evolving societal priorities, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Notable Contributors:

• Callum Borchers: WSJ Columnist on evolving career trends.
• Benoit Morin: WSJ Reporter specializing in energy innovations.

Production Team:

• Producer: Jess Jupiter
• Supporting Staff: Julie Chang, Jessica Fenton, Michael Lavall, Kathryn Millsop, Aisha Al Muslim, Scott Salloway, Chris Zinsley, Falana Patterson

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a detailed overview for listeners and those interested in the latest developments in technology and renewable energy.