Endurance Energy tests geothermal plant at underwater volcano

Startup Endurance Energy drilled a 52-foot well into a vent field 5,000 feet deep off Oregon and lowered a three-ton generator to the seafloor. The generator briefly produced more power than it consumed, though the test stopped when a cable failed. The company has raised $63 million and plans a 2-megawatt commercial plant in Tonga next year.

• A 52-foot well tapped 500-degree heat beneath the ocean floor
• The generator produced more power than it consumed for 8.7 seconds
• The startup has raised $63 million and run five undersea deployments
• A first 2-megawatt commercial plant is planned in Tonga