RAM Geothermal Unveils PowerDisk™ Technology Poised to Redefine the Global Geothermal Industry
RAM Geothermal LLC (RGT), a Tulsa, Oklahoma–based next-generation geothermal energy company, has announced the development of a groundbreaking proprietary technology that could fundamentally reshape the economics and scalability of geothermal power worldwide. The company’s newly introduced PowerDisk™ system is expected to dramatically increase geothermal energy output while substantially reducing drilling and completion costs—two of the most persistent barriers to widespread geothermal deployment.
Developed by Dr. Christopher Liner, a globally recognized geophysicist, professor, and former chairman of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas, the PowerDisk™ system represents a major leap forward in geothermal engineering. Dr. Liner is also a past president of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and is widely regarded as a leading authority in subsurface characterization and reservoir optimization.
According to RAM Geothermal, the PowerDisk™ system has the potential to increase geothermal power output by up to 4.6 times compared to conventional geothermal well designs. At the same time, it is expected to reduce drilling and completion costs by approximately 60–70 percent per megawatt, unlocking project economics that could rival—or outperform—many existing renewable and conventional energy technologies.
A Step-Change Comparable to the Shale Revolution
Larry Lee, Owner and Chairman of RAM Geothermal, described the technology as a transformational moment for the geothermal sector, drawing parallels to one of the most disruptive advancements in modern energy history.
“These innovations represent a shift as significant for geothermal energy as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling were for the oil and gas industry during the shale revolution,” Lee said. “PowerDisk™ is not an incremental improvement—it is a fundamental rethinking of how geothermal reservoirs are accessed and utilized. This next-generation technology has the potential to reshape the geothermal industry as we know it and play a critical role in strengthening our nation’s future energy supply and energy security.”
For decades, geothermal energy has been recognized as one of the most reliable and environmentally sustainable power sources available. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal delivers 24/7 baseload power with a minimal surface footprint and low lifecycle emissions. However, despite its advantages, geothermal deployment has remained limited due to high upfront capital costs, drilling risks, and suboptimal reservoir performance in many regions.
RAM Geothermal believes the PowerDisk™ system directly addresses these long-standing challenges.
Redefining Well Architecture and Reservoir Performance
Darrell Pennington, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of RAM Geothermal, emphasized that conventional geothermal well designs and completion techniques have constrained the industry’s growth for decades.
“Traditional geothermal wells are inherently limited in terms of sweep efficiency, heat recovery, and overall power output,” Pennington explained. “These limitations translate into higher well counts, higher capital costs, and weaker project economics. The PowerDisk™ system introduces a completely new well architecture and reservoir geometry that is purpose-built to maximize heat extraction.”
By optimizing the interaction between the wellbore and the geothermal reservoir, the PowerDisk™ system enhances heat sweep efficiency, allowing operators to recover significantly more thermal energy from the same subsurface volume. This approach enables higher power output per well, reduces the total number of wells required for a project, and lowers both capital and operational expenditures.
“The result is a geothermal system with superior performance, fewer wells, and far more attractive economics,” Pennington added. “In many cases, this could be the difference between a project that is marginally viable and one that is commercially compelling.”
Unlocking Global Geothermal Potential
RAM Geothermal LLC is strategically positioned to capitalize on this technological breakthrough. Founded by experienced oil and natural gas professionals, the company applies decades of subsurface expertise to the challenge of unlocking geothermal energy at scale.
Headquartered in Tulsa, a historic center of energy innovation, RAM Geothermal focuses on Next-Generation Geothermal (NGG) development. Its core areas of specialization include:
- Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) designed to access heat in regions previously considered uneconomic
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) solutions that maximize energy utilization
- Proprietary well testing and evaluation services that enable rapid, low-cost geothermal resource assessment
These capabilities allow RAM Geothermal to significantly reduce exploration risk and development timelines—two critical factors for accelerating geothermal adoption.
The company believes that widespread deployment of the PowerDisk™ system could unlock geothermal resources both domestically and internationally that are currently out of reach using conventional technology. Regions without traditional hydrothermal reservoirs, as well as mature geothermal fields seeking performance upgrades, could benefit from this innovation.
Supporting the Energy Transition
As global electricity demand continues to rise—driven by electrification, data centers, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure—there is growing urgency for reliable, low-carbon energy solutions that can operate around the clock. RAM Geothermal sees geothermal energy as uniquely positioned to meet this challenge.
“Geothermal is one of the few energy sources that combines reliability, sustainability, and scalability,” the company noted. “Our vision is a future where geothermal energy plays a central role in powering digital transformation, supporting electrification, and diversifying the global energy mix.”
By lowering costs and increasing output, the PowerDisk™ system could make geothermal competitive in markets where it has historically struggled to gain traction. This includes not only utility-scale electricity generation, but also industrial heat applications and hybrid energy systems that pair geothermal with other renewables.
A New Chapter for Geothermal Energy
With the introduction of the PowerDisk™ system, RAM Geothermal aims to move geothermal energy from a niche contributor to a mainstream pillar of the clean energy transition. Industry observers note that if the technology performs as expected at scale, it could mark one of the most important advancements in geothermal development in decades.
For RAM Geothermal, the message is clear: geothermal energy is no longer constrained by yesterday’s technology.
“The tools now exist to unlock the full potential of the Earth’s heat,” Lee said. “PowerDisk™ gives us a pathway to cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable energy systems—at a time when the world needs them most.”
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