Part 7/10:
Quaise’s experimental setups pave the way for their ambitious goals. Initial tests show that they can vaporize rock at a rate of one meter per hour with a 100 kilowatt gyrotron, aiming to use a one-megawatt gyrotron for larger holes moving forward. Every test brings them closer to the practical application of their technology, which ultimately hinges on cost-effectiveness, a vital parameter for the success of any energy project.
The targeted depth and the type of rock being drilled greatly affect the energy requirements and economic feasibility of their processes. Although basalt and granite have similar melting points, the former is less challenging to drill due to its homogeneity and lower quartz content, which can affect microwave penetration.