Deeper, hotter, more economical: SBO technology accelerates next-generation geothermal energy

What happened

SBO says its drilling technology helped Mazama Energy drill more than three kilometres at Oregon’s Newberry Crater in 15 drilling days, 80% fewer days than on a comparable 2025 well. The Athena project used SBO’s Steam motor product line and Booster Tool, while its rotary steerable system drilled two kilometres in one run in Slovakia.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

The results suggest SBO may be able to sell drilling tools developed for oil and gas into geothermal projects. If geothermal customers adopt them, that could add revenue and put more of SBO’s existing product range to work, while faster drilling could lower project costs and support further development.

Analyst inference

The article presents geothermal energy as a diversification opportunity for SBO, alongside its established oil and gas technology business. The reported drilling speed is a project result, not evidence of broad customer uptake, recurring orders, or a material contribution to company revenue.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Look for further operating results from the Athena project, including whether subsequent wells also reach target depths in fewer drilling days than comparable earlier wells. Analyst inference
2. Watch for disclosed geothermal contracts or repeat orders that show whether SBO’s drilling tools are being adopted beyond the projects described in the article. Analyst inference
3. Track whether SBO reports geothermal revenue or investment separately; that would help show whether this diversification opportunity is becoming financially meaningful. Analyst inference

Evidence

• eqs-news.com