Digging Deep: Mazama Energy Reaches 10,350 Feet Deep at Newberry Crater
Published: 7:32 am Monday, September 7, 2026
Mazama Energy has successfully drilled its second geothermal well at Newberry Crater to a depth of 10,350 feet—approximately 1.9 miles—achieving this depth in just 15 days. This initiative aims to harness some of the hottest rock targeted for geothermal power.
The Athena well is projected to reach about 15,500 feet, with expectations of temperatures exceeding 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, the company noted that it reached the 10,350-foot mark approximately 80% faster than during its previous drilling effort in 2025.
The increased drilling pace is crucial for Mazama as it strives to reduce costs associated with drilling into the extraordinarily hot and deep rock beneath Newberry. Crews recorded drilling speeds of over 350 feet per hour at times and completed a remarkable 3,578-foot run without any interruptions for bit changes or equipment failures.
Mazama previously reported that its geothermal system at Newberry reached a temperature of 629 degrees Fahrenheit, marking it as the highest temperature recorded in an engineered geothermal system.
The company envisions the development of a large geothermal power plant at Newberry, located south of Bend, targeting a capacity of 200 megawatts. This facility would provide continuous electricity.
The Athena well is part of a comprehensive strategy for developing a commercial geothermal project at Newberry, with the results from this well guiding further drilling and development efforts.
“Our goal was to demonstrate that we could drill faster and be cost-effective as we progress toward increasingly hotter and deeper conditions,” said Pat Brand, Project Athena director.
