Artificial intelligence has changed geothermal exploration in a manner considered impossible in the past, with the successful mapping of America’s first commercially viable “blind” geothermal resource in more than thirty years. The breakthrough exploration of geothermal energy using machine learning algorithms achieved by Zanskar geothermal in Nevada’s Western Desert indicates a potentially revolutionary prospect for renewable energy.

Algorithms function to unveil concealed geothermal anomalies existing in Nevada

Scientists at Zanskar Geothermal used complex computer simulations to discern a remarkable geothermal anomaly with extremely high heat flow in Nevada’s western desert. This region was called “Big Blind” because it had no visible evidence of a geothermal zone and had never been explored with a drill before. The use of prediction engines in this project reduced failed exploratory drill sites and saved a lot of money.

“The comparison being made here would be almost any other natural resource sectors, such as oil and minerals, and shale gas. They were initially involved in something that was above ground and later evolved with time to focus more underground.” — Carl Hoiland, CEO of Zanskar

The company used its artificial intelligence foundation models to process a tremendous amount of geologic data to identify potential areas to drill and test for temperature and permeability. This level of technology adoption signifies a radical shift away from traditional geothermal exploration methods in the western United States, where researchers look for observable surface manifestations such as geysers and hot springs.

Discovery: 250°F reservoir found at a surprisingly shallow depth

Zanskar completed two wells for intermediate depths in July and August 2025 and tapped a permeable zone with a temperature of about 250°F at about 2,700 feet. This environment exceeds requirements for industrial-scale geothermal energy production and is clearly more favorable than typical background conditions in the region. The background conditions are such that depths of 10,000 feet must be penetrated with costly stimulation techniques.

Commercial potential: More than 100 megawatts of clean energy output

Natural geothermal resource with properties similar to those of Big Blind could potentially develop more than 100 megawatts of geothermal power using conventional power plant technology, as claimed by officials of Zanskar. This potential would be ascertained with further exploration drilling and characterization of the reservoirs involved in this process of discovering more about this geothermal resource. The discovery wells barely scrape the surface of a more extensive naturally existing geothermal resource.

The agility and reproducibility shown by Zanskar’s team facilitate swift site discovery and drilling in other areas of the western United States to provide gigawatt-scale power. This achievement continues previous successful projects, such as those conducted in Pumpernickel in northern Nevada and Lightning Dock in New Mexico, and leads the company to be among the leading geothermal site discovery groups globally.

Bipartisan support propels geothermal energy growth nationwide

Some of the only sectors with political party support for energy are geothermal energy, with Democrats being drawn because of its emissions-free profile, and others being drawn because of its potential for constant power generation. Energy Sec. Chris Wright has referred to geothermal energy as “an awesome resource that’s right under our feet” with potential for use in powering innovation for data centers. Congress and President Trump are in support of geothermal energy development. This recent bill maintained geothermal energy credits while cutting credits for other renewables.

The Big Blind discovery marks a paradigm shift in geothermal energy resource exploration and demonstrates that using artificial intelligence for exploration can unlock a previously inaccessible source of renewable energy for America’s western regions. This achievement flies in the face of previous beliefs about geothermal energy being “tapped out” and shows how artificial intelligence can be a potent tool for energy exploration in America.

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