The University of Oklahoma has signed a sponsored research agreement with DeepPower, Inc., developer of geothermal drilling technology, which will tap into the university’s deep drilling expertise. The goal of the project, led by Dr. Saeed Salehi, will be to develop a way to drill through extremely hard rock in the effort to tap Earth’s source of unlimited clean energy.

Current state-of-the-art drilling technology found in the oil and gas industry cannot drill deep enough to make geothermal cost effective at a global scale. DeepPower is developing a suite of drilling technologies to make geothermal power a reality.

The agreement goes through June 2024 and will allow the company to access the university’s expertise in its effort to develop geothermal energy solutions. Salehi, associate professor in petroleum engineering, previously worked as drilling and well engineer in the oil & gas industry and has more than ten year’s academic experience teaching and delivering university and industry-customized courses.

Andrew Van Noy, CEO of DeepPower commented, “We are thrilled to be able to enter into this relationship with a prestigious university such as the University of Oklahoma. The university’s background in the oil and gas industry is extensive. Their previous work in that industry formed a technical foundation that allowed their research team to transition into the geothermal industry where they are making great strides.”

Added Dr. Saeed Salehi: “I am very much looking forward to working with Andrew and the DeepPower team. They understand that inventing a new technology takes time and money. I appreciate their commitment to help solve the formidable energy problem that the world faces. The possibility that our research and development project could dramatically alter the world’s source of energy gives my team and me all the motivation we need to help deliver a successful outcome.”

Source: GlobeNewswire