Geothermal energy, often overlooked in favor of traditional oil and gas, has the potential to revolutionize the way we heat and cool our buildings. Bedrock Energy, a startup co-founded by Joselyn Lai, is leading the charge by drilling deeper than traditional geothermal wells to unlock this potential.

Typical geothermal wells only reach depths of around 500 feet, limiting their efficiency and space requirements. Bedrock Energy's innovative approach drills down to 800-1,000 feet in cooling-dominant locations and 1,000-1,200 feet in heating-dominant locations, making it three times more space-efficient. This increased depth allows for more efficient energy transfer, making geothermal a viable alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods.

Bedrock Energy has already completed two installations, one at an office building in Austin, Texas, and another at a resort in Utah. The company expects to be profitable on a project basis within the next year, thanks to its focus on commercial buildings where land is at a premium. Lai noted that the startup's goal is to minimize geothermal's footprint, making it an attractive solution for densely populated areas.

One of the most promising applications of Bedrock Energy's technology is in data centers. The startup has partnered with Dominion Energy to study the feasibility of geothermal cooling in these facilities. While data centers pose unique challenges, such as generating heat 24/7, Bedrock Energy's data analysis suggests that geothermal cooling can be an efficient solution, especially when paired with solar farms. The company's research indicates that geothermal cooling is about twice as efficient as traditional cooling methods, particularly during peak heat hours.

Another significant advantage of geothermal energy is its consistent electricity usage. Unlike air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps don't need to ramp up or down to compensate for changes in air temperature, resulting in a more stable and cost-effective energy solution for large electricity users like office buildings and data centers.

To support its growth and expansion, Bedrock Energy recently raised $12 million in Series A funding led by Titanium Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, and Sustainable Future Ventures. The company plans to invest in automation to speed up installations and further research and development, solidifying its position as a leader in the geothermal energy space.

As the world continues to shift towards more sustainable and efficient energy solutions, Bedrock Energy's innovative approach to geothermal energy is poised to make a significant impact. With its focus on commercial buildings and data centers, the startup is well-positioned to drive adoption and make a meaningful difference in the way we heat and cool our buildings.