Fervo further demonstrates EGS scalability with Cape Station appraisal well
Fervo Energy sets new drilling records at an appraisal well in Utah, marking key progress for enhanced geothermal systems and next-phase EGS development.
Fervo Energy has announced the successful completion of a geothermal appraisal well at its Cape Station project in southwest Utah, reaching a true vertical depth of 15,765 feet (4,805 meters) and with a projected bottomhole temperature of 500 °F (260°C).
The Sugarloaf appraisal well, designed to validate subsurface conditions before full-scale development, demonstrates the site’s viability for advanced geothermal deployment. It sets the record as Fervo’s highest and deepest well, and was drilled in only 16 drilling days. The well has also set multiple drilling records for the company including a maximum bit run length of 3,290 feet, a maximum average rate of penetration (“ROP”) of 95 feet/hour, and an instantaneous ROP of over 300 feet/hour at depths greater than 15,000 feet.
The high-temperature result confirms the geologic suitability of the site for Fervo’s next-generation enhanced geothermal system (EGS). The company plans to drill additional horizontal wells and begin full development following the appraisal phase.
Fervo noted that the Cape Station project benefits from proximity to existing infrastructure and transmission access, with its location near the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) site and direct ties to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) market.
The release also refers to an independent geothermal reserves report from worldwide consulting firm DeGolyer & MacNaughton for Cape Phase I. “This comprehensive technical and economic evaluation of Fervo’s development plan”, so Fervo’s release, “provides external verification on Fervo’s ability to deliver contracted clean energy volumes to customers including Shell Energy and Southern California Edison.” The report confirms that the Cape Station project area can support over 5 GW of development at depths of up to 13,000 feet. We have reached out to the company to gain further insight on the standards applied and will add details here when we hear back.
This well follows Fervo’s earlier Project Red in Nevada, which achieved successful closed-loop geothermal power output in 2023. The Utah-based Cape Station project is expected to expand significantly on that proof of concept, with phased development beginning in 2026.
We recently shared the enthusiastic site visit report by Bill Gates.
Source: Company press release
